Park for pooches opens

In an effort to improve conditions for the city's canine inhabitants, Taipei City Government yesterday celebrated the launch of "Taipei Yingfeng Dog Exercising Park."

The park, located in the Jintai section of the Dajia Riverside Park (大佳河濱公園), occupies 10,000m2 with 4,000m2 for small dogs under 9kg and the remaining 6,000m2 for dogs over 9kg.

Designed specifically for dogs, the park is open 24 hours a day for dog owners and their pets with exercise facilities including a sand pit, a jumping hoop and a climbing board and equipment such as dog's mess trashcans, seats, granite paths, fences, specially strengthened doors to stop dogs from escaping and a bathroom.

"We've waited so long for the opening of the dog park. According to the statistics, there are 160,000 pet dogs and 60,000 stray dogs in Taipei ? Dogs are not only loyal partners, but also our best friends. Animal rights should be well protected," Taipei Mayor Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) said yesterday during the park's opening ceremony.

The establishment of the dog park was one of the mayor's campaign promises when he sought a second term. Taipei City Economic Development Department Commissioner Lin Sheng-chong (林聖忠) said the department made great efforts to negotiate with local residents in different districts before deciding on the Dachia Riverside spot for the dog park.

The Taipei Municipal Institute for Animal Health set up a "Taipei City Dog Park Attention Sign" in the park, suggesting that dog owners only let their dogs off the leash if their pets will not bother other dogs. The park policies also require dog owners to clean up the mess from their dogs when they leave.