Taiwan Railways: Animal Transport by Parcel Car Like Abuse, Will Propose Improvement Plan in 1 Month

Central News Agency (CNA) reporter Huang Chiao-wen, Taipei, 7th – Animal protection groups claim that millions of live animals, such as chicks, ducklings, rabbits, mice, hedgehogs, and pet birds, are transported annually by Taiwan Railways' parcel cars in conditions akin to abuse, treated as cargo. Taiwan Railways stated today that it will propose a feasible improvement plan within one month that considers animal welfare and public health. The Taiwan Rabbit Association and the Taiwan Animal Social Research Organization held a press conference today, releasing an investigative video on live animal transport by Taiwan Railways' parcel cars. They estimate that millions of chicks, ducklings, rabbits, mice, hedgehogs, pet birds, and various small mammals are transported long distances in Taiwan Railways' parcel cars as ordinary cargo during transactions between breeders and wholesalers, lacking regulatory oversight. Regarding the issues raised by animal protection groups today concerning live animal transport by Taiwan Railways' parcel cars, Taiwan Railways Company stated via message that it will propose a concrete improvement plan within one month that balances animal welfare, public health, and practical feasibility. Taiwan Railways stated that it will review current operating procedures item by item in accordance with animal transport management regulations and deliberate on formulating more humane transport contract contents and environmental condition improvements that comply with animal welfare. Taiwan Railways also stated that it will require consignors to strictly adhere to animal transport regulations, including conditions for packaging containers, time, and drinking water. If related requirements are not met, transport will be refused to strengthen transport management and risk control. Earlier, the Ministry of Agriculture had stated that it is considering formulating relevant guidelines for improvement. (Edited by Chen Ching-fang) 1150507. Stand with facts, your sponsorship is the power to protect press freedom. Download CNA's 'First-hand News' APP to stay updated. The text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, or publicly transmitted and used without authorization.