Rabies Prevention: Dog and Cat Ban Extended in National Forest Recreation Areas

Central News Agency reporter Wang Shu-fen, Taipei, July 15

The Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency (FNCA) under the Ministry of Agriculture announced today that it will extend the regulation prohibiting the entry of dogs, cats, and other mammals into forest recreation areas and lowland forest parks to reduce the risk of rabies transmission. The ban will remain in effect, while six designated parks will continue pilot programs allowing conditional pet access.

Since August 1, 2013, the FNCA has prohibited visitors from bringing mammals such as dogs and cats into mountainous recreation areas due to ongoing detection of rabies-positive ferret badgers in mountainous regions. The ban has been extended multiple times since then. In 2020, the Linhou Silin Lowland Forest Park began piloting conditional access for cats and other mammals. By 2022, the number of pilot sites increased to five, and in 2024, it expanded to six.

According to a press release from the FNCA, because the distribution of rabies-positive wildlife has not yet shrunk and the epidemic has not been fully contained, the Ministry of Agriculture will issue a revised announcement on July 31, 2026, extending the regulation that prohibits transporting dogs, cats, and other mammals into forest recreation areas and lowland forest parks.

The regulation will remain in force from August 1, 2026, to July 31, 2028, continuing to prohibit visitors from bringing mammalian pets into 19 forest recreation sites located in mountainous areas, including the Moonlight Round National Forest Recreation Area, to prevent contact with wild animals and reduce the risk of rabies transmission.

To balance public demand for pet-inclusive recreation, the FNCA will continue pilot programs at six sites: Neidong, Chihnan, and Zhiben National Forest Recreation Areas, and Aogu Wetland Forest Park, Linhou Silin, and Danong Dafu Lowland Forest Parks. At these locations, management authorities will allow conditional access for pets in designated zones based on staffing, environmental conditions, and site characteristics.

Pet owners must apply in advance, submit registration documents and proof of vaccination, and sign a pledge committing to compliance. Pets must be kept on a leash no longer than 1.5 meters or placed in carriers, cages, or strollers at all times while in designated areas.

Additionally, to accommodate emergency rescue operations in mountainous areas, search and rescue dogs and other working dogs accompanying rescue personnel on official duties are exempt from this restriction, ensuring public safety and disaster response capabilities. (Edited by Kuan Chung-wei) 1150715