Brian Hioe10/18/2026EnglishEnvironmentalOctober 2026PoliticsSocial Movements

Animal Rights Advocates Call for Referendum on Snare Traps | New Bloom Magazine

by Brian Hioe

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Photo Credit: 臺灣動物共生聯盟 TOEC/Facebook

ANIMAL RIGHTS ADVOCATES are currently campaigning for a referendum to be held on the use of wild boar snares.

In particular, animal rights advocates have long criticized wild boar snares as overly cruel. Such traps use spring-loaded mechanisms to tighten around animals’ limbs when triggered.

Nevertheless, such traps have also been criticized for ensnaring other species, as they do not distinguish. Endangered species such as Formosan black bears and leopard cats had also been killed by such traps, as have cats and dogs, sometimes resulting in their losing limbs if they survive.

Though claims had been made that Indigenous hunters used such traps as part of traditional hunting rights, animal rights groups have generally cited that this was rarely the case, in that Indigenous hunters generally do not use such traps. By contrast, such animal rights advocates state that Indigenous hunters more commonly use traps made from wood, bamboo and vines, and other natural materials. In the past, the Central Election Commission turned down calls for a referendum on the use of wild boar snares on the basis that the referendum was unclear as to whether it pertained to traps used by Indigenous hunters.

Otherwise, such traps are sometimes used by farmers as a means of preventing damage to their crops. Animal rights advocates have called on the government to provide electric fencing, protective netting, or other means for farmers to protect their livestock and crops.

The proposals called for by animal rights advocates are relevant to the use, display, and sale of wild boar snares, as well as their import and export. It is thought that China is a major source of some of the wild boar snares used in Taiwan.

It is unclear as to whether the Central Election Commission will approve the referendum currently called for by animal rights advocates. At the same time, without a major political party endorsing it as an issue, such a referendum is unlikely to gain traction. It is to be seen if either the DPP or KMT, or perhaps even both parties, throw their weight behind the proposal.

One notes that there have been cases of political bipartisanship between both major parties on the issue of animal rights in past years, as seen with politicians of both parties supporting enshrining animal rights in the constitution. Even so, such politicians ultimately did not prove serious about such promises outside of election campaigning, as a result of which neither the KMT nor DPP acted on claims in past election cycles that animal rights would see constitutional protection.

by Thomas Oakley-NewellOctober 16, 2026

FacebookXShare Five things pet owners should know about bird flu – Pet Industry News

With bird flu continuing to spread among wild birds in Australia and cases now being detected in parts of NSW, pet owners may be wondering what the outbreak means for their dogs, cats and backyard birds.

While the risk to most of our furry friends remains low, animals can be exposed through contact with infected birds or contaminated environments. For pet owners, this means knowing what to look out for and how to reduce unnecessary exposure in order to keep their pets safe.

Here are five things pet owners need to know about when it comes to bird flu:

1. Keep pets away from sick or dead birds

The most important step pet owners can take is to prevent their animals from coming into contact with wild birds that appear sick, or have died.

Dogs and cats are naturally curious, and unfortunately a dead bird can be an irresistible target for a sniff, paw or bite. However, contact with infected birds or contaminated material can create an opportunity for disease transmission. If you come across a dead or sick bird, keep pets away and avoid handling it yourself. In NSW, members of the public can report sick or dead wild birds to the relevant authorities, which can go a long way in keeping risk down.

2. Cats may be more exposed because of their hunting habits

Cats that roam outdoors can have more opportunities to encounter wild birds, particularly if they hunt.

While this does not mean every outdoor cat is at significant risk, reducing opportunities for hunting and contact with wild birds is a sensible precaution while bird flu continues to circulate. We’d recommend that cats should be kept enclosed in a cat run and avoid roaming to not only keep them safe, but to protect our wildlife. Particularly in areas where bird flu has been detected, keeping cats indoors or providing secure outdoor spaces, such as cat enclosures, can help reduce their exposure.

For dogs, keeping them on lead in areas where sick or dead birds have been reported can also help prevent them from investigating or eating birds.

3. Know the signs that something isn’t right

Owners should be alert to any unusual changes in their animal’s health, particularly if they know their pet has had contact with a sick or dead bird.

Signs can vary, but may include respiratory problems, lethargy, loss of appetite, neurological symptoms or other sudden changes in behaviour or health.

These symptoms can also be caused by many other conditions, so owners should not assume that an unwell pet has bird flu, however, if an animal becomes sick after possible exposure to an infected bird, it is important to contact a veterinarian and explain the potential exposure. Across the VetPartners network, veterinary teams can help assess concerns about a pet’s health and advise on appropriate next steps.

4. Backyard chickens and aviary birds need protection too

Pet owners with chickens, ducks, aviary birds or other domestic birds should think about how they can limit contact between their animals and wild birds.

This can include preventing wild birds from accessing food and water, keeping feed and water containers clean and considering how outdoor areas can be managed to reduce opportunities for wild birds to mix with domestic birds.

Good hygiene is also highly important, meaning that owners should wash their hands after handling birds and clean equipment, footwear and other items that may have been exposed to potentially contaminated areas.

5. Don’t panic, but take sensible precautions

The best approach is to focus on practical steps; keeping pets away from sick or dead birds, reducing hunting and scavenging behaviour, maintaining good hygiene around domestic birds and contacting a vet if an animal becomes unwell following a potential exposure.

If a pet has picked up or eaten a dead bird, owners should avoid trying to induce vomiting or treating the animal themselves, contacting their veterinarian promptly instead for advice. As the situation develops, pet owners should also follow advice from Australian biosecurity and animal health authorities, particularly in areas where cases have been identified.

For most households, a few straightforward changes to how pets interact with wildlife can help reduce unnecessary exposure, while allowing owners to continue enjoying time outdoors with their animals.

This article was written by Dr Russell Harrison at Vet Partners.

Bird flu caused the death of a bald eagle named Jackie who had become an internet sensation and a symbol of the species’ recovery, officials said.

By The Associated Press • Published October 16, 2026 • Updated on October 16, 2026 at 11:12 am

Jackie, bald eagle, died from Bird flu, San Diego Zoo team says – NBC 7 San Diego

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Bird flu caused the death of a bald eagle named Jackie who had become an internet sensation and a symbol of the species’ recovery in California, officials said.

A necropsy and additional testing found that the primary underlying cause of Jackie’s death in August was highly pathogenic avian influenza, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife said Wednesday in a news release.

In the weeks before she died, Jackie was being treated at the Ojai Raptor Center for various ailments, including anemia. Chris Eksteen, the center’s director, said in the news release that the necropsy results “have helped connect many of the findings” they saw during her hospitalization.

“In an uncommon presentation of the virus, the infection caused a severe ulcer in her stomach that led to persistent internal bleeding, anemia, and the development of bacterial sepsis,” Steve Kubiski, the disease investigations director at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, where the necropsy was conducted, said in the news release.

For more than a decade, nature lovers watched via an online video feed as Jackie and her partner, Shadow, tended to their nest each year atop trees near Big Bear Lake in the San Bernardino Mountains east of Los Angeles. There’s no evidence Shadow is ill, according to the news release.

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Highly pathogenic avian influenza has been circulating in bird populations throughout the U.S. While waterfowl and shorebirds are natural hosts for bird flu viruses, eagles and other raptors can be exposed through contact with infected birds or by eating them, according to the news release.

Jackie’s remains were cremated to prevent transmission of the virus, it said.

American bald eagles teetered on the brink of extinction until the pesticide DDT was banned in the 1970s and other protections were established, leading the species to rebound and be removed from the federal endangered list.

As fall waterfowl migration begins, Missouri officials say bird flu can spread between wild and domesticated birds

MDC encourages awareness of “bird flu”

Updated: 5:58 PM CDT Oct 16, 2026

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By Nicole Walker

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. —

The Missouri Department of Conservation is reminding the public to watch for signs of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, commonly known as “bird flu,” as fall waterfowl migration begins.

Birds that migrate during the season can carry the flu as they travel along North American flyways. The virus spreads among birds through contact with infected feces and saliva and can move between wild and domesticated birds.

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Signs of illness include tremors, head tilting, loss of coordination, inability to fly or walk properly, or trouble standing upright.

MDC is encouraging hunters and others to take the following precautions:

• Dispose of carcasses and waste properly
• Avoid touching dead or sick birds
• Keep pets away from dead or dying wildlife
• If needing to handle a dead bird, wear gloves, consider a face mask, and wash hands thoroughly

Missouri is not currently experiencing an outbreak, but there are some positive cases in the state.

Missouri Department of Conservation warns hunters about bird flu – KMBC