Braving the pre-typhoon weather, dozens of dogs participated in yesterday’s dog-a-thon, the first parade for pets ever held in Taipei.
The event, organized by Animals Taiwan, was held at Civic Plaza in front of Taipei City Hall on World Animal Day yesterday. Hundreds of animal lovers and dozens of dogs, from Labradors to golden retrievers, were at the event.
Despite poor weather as Typhoon Parma approaches Taiwan, the rain did not put out the passion of animal lovers who attended.
PHOTO: CNA
A 40-year-old woman surnamed Chiang was in attendance, along with her husband and their black-haired poodle. Both wore the same light-blue T-shirts, while the poodle wore a doggie raincoat.
“I came because I want my dog to meet and socialize with other dogs,” she said.
Dozens of stalls, from food and beverage sponsors to veterinarians and other pet-related services, were set up.
World Animal Day originated at an ecological convention in Florence, Italy, in 1931. Though it started as a means to shed light on the plight of endangered species, since then it has become a celebration of all animal species around the world. It is held every year on Oct. 4 in honor of the Feast Day of St Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals.
Among notable attendees were Democratic Progressive Party Taipei City Councilor Wu Su-yao (吳思瑤), Discovery Channel’s Fun Taiwan show host Janet Hsieh (謝怡芬) and celebrity Ivy Hsu (許嘉凌).
“We hope to create an environment where animals can be free of suffering and promote the use of humane methods to resolve the problem of stray animals,” Animals Taiwan secretary-general Rosa Huang (黃蘊茹) said. “This time, we want to use the opportunity of World Animal Day to tell the people of Taiwan and the world that adoption saves, abandonment kills.”
Comprising mainly volunteers, Animals Taiwan was established five years ago to deal with pet overpopulation through education, adoption and outreach programs. The organization became a government-registered non-profit group last year.
FUKUOKA SITUATION: Japanese media reported that the pathogen is expected to be identified by the summer, while the CDC downplayed the idea that it was hMPV A “mysterious cold-like illness” reported in Japan’s Fukuoka Prefecture does not seem to be a new disease, but Japanese authorities have been asked about the situation, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) said yesterday. The Fukuoka Prefectural Medical Association on Wednesday told a news conference that a “mystery cold” that has become a hot topic on social media is “highly likely to be caused by some kind of viral infection,” Japan’s KBC News reported. “Many people are experiencing symptoms starting with a sore throat, followed by a runny nose, phlegm and a severe cough,” KBC News reported, citing association officials. Health authorities are
Nvidia Corp CEO Jensen Huang (黃仁勳) arrived in Taiwan yesterday ahead of upcoming AI and technology events, saying he plans to meet with clients and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Chairman C.C. Wei (魏哲家) during his visit. After landing at Taipei Songshan Airport, Huang posed for photos with fans and handed out Yakult drinks to reporters and supporters waiting at the scene, saying he has “a lot to do” during the trip. Asked about reports that Nvidia’s planned headquarters site in Taipei’s Beitou Shilin Technology Park could break ground on May 27, Huang said that if the company holds an event, he would
The Ministry of Finance this afternoon announced the winning numbers for the March-April uniform invoice lottery. The winning number for the NT$10 million (US$318,060) special prize is 19531471, and the winning number for the NT$2 million grand prize is 85941329. Three numbers were drawn for the NT$200,000 first prize: 07225810, 20231230 and 83518781. Those with receipts matching the last seven digits of any of the first-prize numbers will win the NT$40,000 second prize, while those matching the last six digits will win the NT$10,000 third prize. Those whose receipts match the last five digits of the first-prize numbers can claim the NT$4,000 fourth prize,
SIX SUBSIDIES: The monthly allowance for older farmers is to increase to NT$10,000, and NT$5,000 is to be given to homemakers under the national pension system, Lai said The government is to implement major welfare policies for disadvantaged groups, including raising the monthly allowance for older farmers to NT$10,000 and providing homemakers with NT$5,000 per month, President William Lai (賴清德) said yesterday. Lai made the remarks during a visit to Wangling Temple in Chiayi County, saying that the planned increases were being introduced amid economic growth and an increase in tax revenue. Touting a policy, in which the government plans to provide a monthly allowance of NT$5,000 for every child under the age of 18 in a bid to address Taiwan’s low birthrate, Lai said that if received for the