While everyone knows the emergency services telephone number 119, very few people know the number for the animal rescue hotline, Taipei City Councilor Chen Chien-ming (陳建銘) said yesterday.
This lack of recognition makes it difficult for the animal rescue organization, the Life Caring and Animal Rescue Organization Taiwan (LCO, 台灣照顧生命協會), to assist stray cats and dogs, or other animals in need, Chen said at a press conference organized by the Taipei City Council and LCO.
The organization offers free assistance to stray dogs and cats as well as an ambulance service, however, the organization’s efforts are hindered by the public’s lack of awareness.
When an animal emergency occurs, many dial 119, but they eventually get redirected to the organization, unnecessarily prolonging the rescue process.
Taipei City Councilor Lee Ching-feng (李慶鋒) said that many people care deeply about animal welfare and said promoting awareness of the LCO was important.
Chen said that to improve the city, people should begin respecting the lives of animals and recognize the LCO. The LCO is a non-governmental organization and is not permitted to install emergency lights or sirens on their ambulances, unlike hospital ambulances or police cars.
“Cars will not move aside for the animal ambulance because they lack a simple emergency light. They are also not exempt from traffic laws, unlike regular ambulances,” he said.
Motor Vehicles Office section chief Hsu Hsiu-lung (徐秀龍) said they are working to allow the vehicles to install some kind of warning signs, such as yellow emergency lights, so the organization can gain more widespread recognition and respect.
The animal rescue organization’s hotline is 0968-119-804.
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