No, keeping goats in urban areas of Taiwan is generally prohibited under the Urban Planning Act and Animal Protection Act, with exceptions only for licensed agricultural zones or designated rural areas. Local governments, such as Taipei City’s Department of Urban Development, enforce strict zoning laws, and the 2026 Animal Husbandry Act amendments further restrict livestock in non-agricultural zones. Violations may result in fines up to NT$500,000 or confiscation of animals.
Key Regulations for Keeping Goats in the City in Taiwan
- Zoning Restrictions: Goats are prohibited in residential, commercial, and industrial zones under the Urban Planning Act (Article 34). Only agricultural or rural zones, as defined by local governments (e.g., Taoyuan’s Agricultural Development Zones), permit goat-keeping with permits.
- Animal Welfare Compliance: The Animal Protection Act (Article 6) mandates proper housing, sanitation, and veterinary care. Urban goat owners must adhere to the 2026 Livestock Welfare Standards, which include minimum space requirements (e.g., 2m² per goat) and noise/vibration controls to avoid nuisance complaints.
- Permitting and Inspections: Taipei City’s Bureau of Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine requires a Livestock Keeping Permit for urban areas, subject to annual inspections. Unregistered goats face immediate removal under the 2025 Urban Livestock Control Directive.