Taiwanese Legislature Bans Dog Meat

TAIPEI, Taiwan, Jan. 3 -- Lawmakers have banned what some Taiwanese consider to be a winter treat: dog meat.

Under the new law passed Tuesday, people will be fined up to$300 for butchering or selling dog meat, called “fragrant meat”in Taiwanese slang.

Food stalls serving dog stew and stir-fries were once popular inTaiwan, where some people believe the meat strengthens the bodyagainst the winter cold.

But in recent years, dog eateries have become less commonbecause the Taiwanese have become more affluent and are influencedby Western values.

Most urban Taiwanese consider those who eat dogto be backward and cruel.

The new law also prohibits the slaughter of cats and themistreatment of pets and stray animals.