The exotic bullfrog was almost released by a religious group in Dongshan River, Yilan! Prevent ecological catastrophe in time

Dozens of believers from a religious group in Sanchong, New Taipei Province, brought a truckload of crucian carp, loach, spotted turtles and bullfrogs to the upper reaches of the Dongshan River in Yilan County today (7th) and released them. The Yilan County government sent personnel to inspect and found that the exotic bullfrogs were stopped in time before being released, preventing an ecological disaster. The county government will fine the religious group, with a maximum fine of 300,000 yuan.

Believers participating in the release gathered on the Dongshan River embankment road behind Dongshan Tenshogu Shrine this morning. A truck was parked at the site. Soon, believers lined up to release the species on the truck into the Dongshan River in a solitary manner. Among the team, there was a famous monk in robes chanting sutras and chanting. Witnesses posted the scene online, causing an uproar.

After the Agriculture Department of the Yilan County Government learned of the incident, they arrived at the scene together with the Dongshan Township Office and the police. It was discovered that the release personnel were from the New Taipei Sanchong religious group, and the species released included native crucian carp, loach, spotted turtles, and exotic bullfrogs. The group released the crucian carp and loach first, and the spotted turtles and bullfrogs were stopped before they were released.

It is understood that this religious group is suspected of holding a prayer ceremony in the open space behind Dongshan Tenshogu Shrine. After the ceremony, the animals were released. Due to the large number of people, they were discovered by passers-by and the news came to light. Personnel from the County Agricultural Department found spotted turtles, bullfrogs, and a few crucian carp on the bed of the truck. All the loaches had been released into the Dongshan River. The total amount released is still to be determined. The remaining species on the truck were required to be carried back in the original vehicle.

The bullfrog seized on the truck was an exotic species. Due to its large size and rapid reproduction, it could cause ecological catastrophe if released into the Dongshan River. The County Agricultural Department stated that the release of animals by religious groups involves violations of the Animal Protection Law and the Wildlife Conservation Law. The Animal Protection Law can impose a fine of 30,000 to 150,000 yuan, and the Wildlife Conservation Law can impose a fine of 60,000 to 300,000 yuan.