I have received a reply from the Council of Agriculture.
They explained that The Association of Promotion for Students Outdoor Education (APSOE) imported the tigers for use in a circus show. Apparently, by law (not sure for what reason) APSOE should already have exported the tigers again, but have so far failed to do so.
The COA conducted several official enquiries and informed APSOE that they would be penalised in the form of a fine if they fail to follow through with their obligation to export the animals.
Taichung City Government is also monitoring the situation and has ordered APSOE to take better care of the tigers as per the Taiwan Animal Protection Law.
Because APSOE have not made any improvements to the welfare of the tigers, the COA has already initiated the legal process to confiscate the big cats.
AnimalsTaiwan, with support from the Born Free Foundation, has offered assistance in finding these beautiful animals a lifelong, safe, and caring home, and also help in raising the necessary funds.
I will be going down to Taichung this coming week to see the tigers for myself and perhaps get some video footage that we can use to show how appaling their conditions are, and use it to show just how much the COA’s intervention is needed (and appreciated).
I’ll keep you updated - keep watching this space! We’ll keep pushing to get these cats out and into better surroundings as soon as possible.
Sean