Man fined NT$45,000 for abandoning 'consecrated rooster' in Chiayi

(Central News Agency, Chiayi County, June 4) A man surnamed Lin from Yunlin County tied the feet of a 'consecrated rooster' used in folk religious rituals and abandoned it in front of a chicken farm in Taibao City, Chiayi County in April. The Chiayi County Animal Disease Control Center confirmed that Lin had abused and abandoned the animal, fining him NT$45,000 under the Animal Protection Act.

The Animal Disease Control Center issued a press release today stating that if subsequent sampling of the 'consecrated rooster' detects highly pathogenic avian influenza virus infection, additional fines will be imposed under the Animal Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Act, with a maximum penalty of NT$1 million.

The center said that upon receiving the report, it immediately dispatched a disinfection vehicle to carry out emergency environmental disinfection to prevent the disease from entering the poultry farm. It then reviewed surveillance footage to identify Lin as the person who abandoned the rooster. Lin was legally notified to retrieve the rooster and provide a statement within a specified period, but he failed to do so and did not provide a reasonable explanation.

Furthermore, the investigation revealed that Lin also urinated and defecated at the scene, causing environmental pollution and affecting the surrounding hygiene and aesthetics. The relevant evidence has been forwarded to the environmental protection authority for legal action.

The center explained that a 'consecrated rooster' refers to a white rooster used in Taoist or folk religious ceremonies for consecration, exorcism, and purification. Traditional beliefs hold that it carries bad luck and filth, so it is often released after the ceremony. However, most consecrated roosters are raised by humans for a long time and lack the ability to survive in the wild. After being abandoned, they often face risks such as starvation, traffic accidents, disease, or attacks by other animals. This not only harms animal welfare but can also lead to epidemic prevention problems.

The center reminded the public that 'consecrated roosters' used in folk customs should be properly cared for and must not be arbitrarily abandoned, abused, or discarded. Any act that harms animal welfare or affects epidemic prevention safety will be dealt with according to the law to protect animal welfare, environmental hygiene, and industrial epidemic prevention safety.