Man Arrested for Violating Wildlife Protection Act After Caging Taiwan Macaque and Owl

(CNA, Miaoli County, June 23) A man surnamed Zhong from New Taipei City was arrested for illegally capturing and keeping wild animals. Following a tip-off, police raided Zhong's residence and discovered a Taiwan macaque chained by a dog leash in the bathroom, a protected species Taiwan Barred Owlet confined in a small cage, and other wild birds. The case has been forwarded for prosecution for violating the Wildlife Conservation Act.

Zhong posted videos on Facebook of himself capturing protected wild animals, which led to a public complaint. The Fifth Detachment of the Sixth Special Police Corps, after gathering evidence, recently obtained a search warrant from the Taipei District Court and, in conjunction with the New Taipei City Government's Department of Animal Protection and Disease Control, conducted a search. They discovered various birds and one Taiwan macaque at Zhong's residence.

Cai Shang-ci, deputy captain of the Fifth Detachment of the Sixth Special Police Corps, stated in a press release today that among the birds Zhong hunted were not only common wild animals but also a rare protected species, the Taiwan Barred Owlet, commonly known as an owl. All were confined in birdcages.

Investigators reported that the Taiwan Barred Owlet appeared to be suffering from malnutrition due to long-term confinement in a small cage with insufficient space to move and hunt independently. Although it is a nocturnal animal, it opened its large, watery eyes when police and animal protection officers appeared, looking particularly pitiable.

Furthermore, Zhong had chained a Taiwan macaque in the bathroom of his residence with a dog leash. The macaque's activity was limited to jumping on and off the sink, and it was often seen curled up in a corner, holding its tail, exhibiting signs of anxiety. Police noted that Taiwan macaques have been removed from the protected species list and downgraded to general wild animals, but they are still designated as 'animals prohibited from private keeping or import.'

The Fifth Detachment of the Sixth Special Police Corps stated that all wild animals found at the scene were rescued by the police and the Department of Animal Protection and Disease Control. They will subsequently be cared for by the New Taipei City Government's Department of Animal Protection and Disease Control, allowing them to return to the wild and regain their freedom. Following interrogation, Zhong was transferred to the Taipei District Prosecutors Office for investigation on suspicion of violating the Wildlife Conservation Act.

Police remind the public not to privately capture wild animals for the purpose of keeping them. Violators will be subject to a fine of NT$60,000 to NT$300,000 for hunting general wild animals according to Article 49 of the Wildlife Conservation Act. Additionally, according to Article 41 of the Wildlife Conservation Act, those who hunt or kill protected wild animals face imprisonment of six months to five years, and may also be fined between NT$200,000 and NT$1,000,000. (Editor: Zhang Mingkun) 1150623

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