TAIPEI: Pet owners in Taiwan are increasingly placing full-head mesh nets on their dogs before taking them out for walks amid concerns over rat poison scattered in public areas during a rodent control campaign.
The protective coverings are reportedly intended to prevent dogs from accidentally ingesting poison placed around alleys, parks and public walkways.
The trend gained attention after Taiwan recorded two human cases of hantavirus earlier this year, including a man in his 70s from Taipei’s Da’an District who later died, with nearby rodents testing positive for the virus.
Following the cases, Taipei’s mayor launched a citywide rodent extermination campaign across all 12 districts, with environmental authorities deploying chemical rat poison in public spaces.
Most commercial rat poisons contain highly toxic anticoagulants that can cause severe internal bleeding, fluid in the lungs and fatal organ damage, prompting some dog owners to take precautions during walks.
The loose-fitting mesh covers allow dogs to pant, bark and see normally while preventing them from scavenging items from the ground.
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Animal rights groups have criticised the widespread use of poison as dangerous to pets and wildlife, while Taiwan’s Minister of Environment has ordered the disclosure of locations where rat poison has been deployed following growing concern among pet owners.
