Taiwan plans to ban 955 animal species, focusing on public safety and animal welfare concerns

Taiwan’s Ministry of Agriculture announced plans to ban the ownership and importation of 955 animal species, including raccoons and alligator snapping turtles, as part of its effort to address public safety and animal welfare concerns, Taipei Times reported.

The Taiwan Amphibian and Reptile Association criticised the ministry’s approach, pointing out in a Facebook post on Saturday that the Industrial Technology Research Institute, rather than a wildlife-focused agency, was tasked with evaluating the banned species list, reported Taipei Times.