In a preliminary vote, Taiwan's legislature has passed a bill that bans people from selling or eating dog meat. The legislation is expected to be formally passed next month, officials said.

"Westerners treat dogs as their best friends or family members and we should no longer tolerate such savage practices," said Cheng Tao-lung, who works for a lawmaker who supported the bill.

Under the proposed law, those selling or eating dog meat will be fined 10,000 Taiwan dollars (£210).

Food stalls serving dog meat were once easy to find around Taiwan. Many Taiwanese believe the meat is nutritious and strengthens the body against the winter cold.

In recent years, a growing number of Taiwanese have stopped eating dogs and most of the dog meat restaurants are in rural areas.

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