TAOYUAN — A tenant in Taoyuan City has been evicted from public housing for violating animal protection laws after three kittens fell to their death from a balcony.
City officials said the tenant had traveled abroad, leaving nine cats unattended without installing safety netting or other protective measures. Neighbors had raised concerns after finding dead kittens on the ground below the unit.
On Friday, the city’s public housing agency, along with police officers, forcibly entered the apartment after receiving no response from the tenant. Inside, they discovered five cats — three adults and two kittens — as well as a fourth dead kitten.
Officials believe the kittens fell from the tenant’s balcony. Residents also reported that the woman regularly fed pigeons and had kept nine cats in total.
Chen Sung-feng , head of the Taoyuan public housing agency, confirmed that the unit was in poor condition and filled with trash. He said the tenant had failed to provide basic care for the animals and created a safety hazard for the community.
“The incident caused public concern after the kittens were found dead. It showed a lack of responsibility and raised fears among neighbors,” Chen said. “This is the first time we’ve evicted someone from public housing for failing to properly care for pets.”
The eviction notice was issued ahead of the tenant’s lease expiration at the end of the month.
Animal Protection Office staff rescued the remaining cats using food and cages and relocated them to a safer environment.
The tenant now faces legal charges under the Animal Protection Act.
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