Owners of pet mammals can bring them to more forest areas overseen by the Council of Agriculture (COA) starting from Aug. 1, although they will have relatively limited access, the Cabinet-level agency said last week.

Under the new rule that will continue through July 31, 2024, the pets will be allowed to enter Neidong, Jhihben and Chihnan national forest recreation areas, located in New Taipei, Taitung County and Hualien County, respectively.

They will also be able to enter Danongdafu Forest Park in Hualien, following earlier relaxation of access to Linhousilin Forest Park in Pingtung County in 2020, the COA said.

However, to protect certain park areas that might contain sensitive biological resources, the COA said, pets will only be allowed to stay in designated areas, including trails, lawns, tourist centers and around recreational facilities.

Visitors who wish to bring their pets should fill out an entry affidavit, and provide a valid pet registration and rabies vaccination certificate, the COA said.

During their stay in the parks, the pets should be either put in bags, cages or carts, or controlled with a leash of up to 1.5 meters, the COA said.

Pet owners are responsible for cleaning their pets, which should not come into contact with wild animals, according to the agency.

Source: Focus Taiwan News Channel