Today is International Pet Day. It was started in 2006 by US animal welfare advocate Colleen Paige. The day is intended to remind people to care for and pay more attention to pets, to appreciate the happiness and joy they bring to our lives, and to call on people to “adopt, don’t shop” in the hopes that stray animals can find warm homes.
The number of pet cats and dogs in Taiwan has exceeded 2 million, with about 1 million households owning pets, statistics show.
More people are keeping pets, and it is common to see pet parents walking their furry children on the streets. Unfortunately, with the rapid development of cities, green space is diminishing and areas in which pets can move around are limited.
To achieve an animal-friendly Taiwan, people should start by treating furry children kindly.
First, the government should establish more pet-friendly parks or plan pet activity areas in existing parks, using fences to prevent pets from fighting or getting lost, and to segregate them from people engaging in recreational activities.
The environment should be cleaned regularly to enable pets to run and play freely and safely. At the same time, pet-related events could be hosted to educate and promote interaction between adults, children and pets.
The government should introduce schemes, such as pet-friendly bus, MRT and taxi services, while encouraging pet-friendly restaurants, cafes, accommodation and public spaces. It could also implement pet-friendly certification to increase business opportunities and enhance the willingness of businesses to participate in the program.
It should improve the space and quality of equipment at animal shelters, establish comprehensive medical and emergency rescue mechanisms, and enhance adoption promotion strategies.
The government should increase subsidies for pet registration, microchipping, neutering and vaccinations, and set up public animal hospitals that offer more affordable services while introducing pet insurance.
Parent-child learning or school promotional activities to promote respect for life and care concepts would reduce the incidence of pet abandonment or abuse.
Pets are like family members, accompanying people through life’s joys and sorrows. Creating a friendlier and more harmonious environment is humanity’s undeniable responsibility.
In addition to steps the government should take, everyone needs to make an effort, whether it be volunteering at shelters, donating materials or money, rescuing abused animals, providing care or companionship or choosing to adopt a pet over purchasing one.
Where there is a will, there is a way. Let us work together to achieve an animal-friendly Taiwan.
Su Wei-cheng is a lecturer and a former secretary to the president of the Legislative Yuan.
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