Dog meat has long been a delicacy in Taiwan and other parts of Asia. But now the Taiwanese government has introduced a law banning the slaughter of dogs for consumption by people, reports .
The bill, which also protects cats, was passed on Tuesday.
The legislation also bans pet owners from using a car or motorbike to pull their pets alongside.
Though dog and cat meat is a big part of the ban, killing the animals for their pelts, skin, and other commercial uses are also banned.
In 2001, Taiwan banned the sale of dog and cat meat. This new ban prohibits the slaughter of these animals, too.
Those found guilty of breaking these new laws could face up to two years in prison and a fine of NT$200,000 (AUD$8728.16).
For Taiwan and much of Asia, the shift in viewing dogs and cats as household pets rather than food is a recent one. The Taiwanese government had also faced pressure from local animal rights groups for years.
