New Taipei: The New Taipei District Court has granted a motion to detain a taxi driver, identified by his surname Hsieh, who is currently under investigation following the deaths of seven cats he allegedly abandoned.
According to Focus Taiwan, Hsieh was arrested on Friday and subsequently confessed to the police that he left the seven cats in New Taipei's Banqiao District. He insisted, however, that the animals were alive at the time of abandonment. Prosecutors argued that Hsieh likely violated the Animal Protection Act by abandoning the cats, which led to their deaths, and emphasized the possibility of him tampering with evidence. Consequently, the court ordered Hsieh to be held incommunicado to prevent any interference with evidence or witnesses.
Under existing laws, individuals who abandon animals can face fines ranging from NT$30,000 to NT$150,000. Furthermore, if the neglect results in severe injury or death, penalties can extend up to two years of imprisonment and fines between NT$200,000 and NT$2 million, as stipulated in Article 25 of the Animal Protection Act. Although detention is generally reserved for offenses with a minimum five-year jail term, individuals can be detained if they pose a flight risk or are likely to tamper with evidence, according to the Code of Criminal Procedure.
Local police reported on Friday that Hsieh cited financial difficulties and familial pressure as reasons for abandoning the cats, hoping others would care for them. The New Taipei Animal Protection and Health Inspection Office disclosed that the cats were already deceased when discovered, with indications of having suffered severe physical trauma. The office was alerted to the incident at 6 a.m. on Thursday.
In addition to the main investigation, findings suggest that Hsieh might have been illegally breeding cats at his residence. A police search revealed 16 other cats, approximately 40 cat cages, and veterinary supplies, including vaccines and antibiotics, at his top-floor apartment. Neighbors alleged that Hsieh had been selling cats, with one neighbor confirming a past purchase.
Hsieh admitted to breeding and selling cats, as well as administering veterinary drugs without proper certification. Under the Veterinarian Act, such actions could result in fines ranging from NT$100,000 to NT$500,000. Furthermore, breeding without a license carries a fine between NT$100,000 and NT$3 million.
The office had planned to fine Hsieh for failing to microchip or vaccinate the cats against rabies, in violation of the Animal Protection Act and the Act on the Prevention and Control of Infectious Animal Diseases. However, the exact fine amount had not been determined as of Sunday.