The Ministry of Agriculture announced yesterday that pet dogs, cats, and other household mammals remain prohibited from entering national forest recreation areas due to an ongoing rabies outbreak.
Last Wednesday, the ministry proposed extending the ban until July 31, 2026, citing the need to control the spread of rabies among wildlife. However, individual offices of the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency have the authority to grant access to certain forest facilities under specific conditions.
During a 20-day public comment period, the ministry invites public feedback on the proposed policy change.
The initial ban, implemented from August 1, 2002, to July 31 this year, covered 20 forest areas managed by the agency. Despite these measures, the ministry stated that the rabies situation has shown no signs of improvement. The disease has been reported in 94 districts across 10 cities and counties, reinforcing the necessity of prolonging the ban.
Over the past two years, five national forest recreation areas have permitted visitors to access designated facilities with their pets, provided the animals are microchipped and vaccinated against rabies. These areas include Neidong National Forest Recreation Area (New Taipei City), Jhihben National Forest Recreation Area (Taitung County), Linhousilin Forest Park (Pingtung County), Danongdafu Forest Park, and Chinan National Forest Recreation Area (Hualien County).
Starting August 1, certain facilities at Aogu Wetlands and Forest Park in Chiayi County will also be accessible to pet owners.
After the extended ban goes into effect, the agency’s local offices will announce which facilities within national forest recreation areas will permit entry to pets.
The ministry emphasized the importance of these measures in safeguarding public health and controlling the spread of rabies within Taiwan’s forested areas.
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