Advocates Push for Prohibition of Keeping Personal Meerkats as Pets
In a recent development, animal protection organisations in Taiwan, including the Taiwan Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (TSPCA) and the Taiwan Animal Protection Alliance, have advocated for a ban on private ownership of meerkats. The call comes as concerns about the welfare of these social animals, known for their complex social structures, grow.
Meerkats, which typically live in groups of 20 to 30, each fulfilling their own role, are prone to aggressive behaviour and self-harm when raised alone. This poses a danger not only to the animals themselves but also to their owners. If pet meerkats escape or are abandoned, the subsequent costs could be unimaginable, both in terms of animal welfare and potential environmental damage.
The organisations argue that banning private ownership is necessary to prevent problems from escalating. They point to the fact that many countries around the world, including Belgium, the Netherlands, Italy, Portugal, and several US states, have already prohibited private ownership of meerkats.
The TSPCA and Environment, and Animal Society of Taiwan, have stated that it is hard to satisfy the psychological and physiological needs of meerkats in captivity. These animals have a core instinct to dig, a need that is difficult to meet in a domestic setting. Allowing legal ownership of meerkats in Taiwan could stimulate the market and increase cases of improper care.
The government, in response, has proposed to classify meerkats as a "gray" animal, which could allow them to be kept as pets once regulations are established. However, the ministry has been urged to ban keeping meerkats as pets due to the difficulties in ensuring their welfare in private homes.
Before any ban is instated, regulations should be formulated to protect the rights of current owners. During the transition period, current owners should report their meerkats' numbers and health, accept government supervision, and be prohibited from breeding or selling the animals. The ministry should also strengthen border controls to prevent illegal meerkat trade.
Animal protection groups have urged the Ministry of Agriculture to focus on education about the needs of wild animals and ecological responsibility. If meerkats escape or are abandoned, they could seriously harm the environment. The societies also call for a focus on rehabilitation support to ensure a smooth implementation of any phased regulations, such as registration, education programs, and rehabilitation support.
In conclusion, the call for a ban on private meerkat ownership in Taiwan is a significant step towards ensuring the welfare of these complex and fascinating animals. It also underscores the importance of education about the needs of wild animals and the responsibility we have towards them and our environment.
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