The government will continue to promote amendments to the Animal Protection Act (動物保護法) as well as encourage “adopt, don’t shop” and “zero pet abandonment” policies, President William Lai (賴清德) said at a pet gathering yesterday.
In his address at the Dogs and Cats Carnival, Lai said that the number of cats and dogs owned by people in Taiwan was more than 3.4 million last year, surpassing the number of children aged 14 or younger.
While highlighting the issue of Taiwan’s declining birthrate, Lai added that the government would nevertheless support people’s love for animals, as valuing life and protecting animals is a hallmark of a civilized society.
Photo: George Tsorng, Taipei Times
The Department of Animal Welfare, which was established under the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) two years ago, is dedicated to collaboration with civic groups on animal welfare promotion.
The government has also launched a scheme offering non-practice allowance to veterinarians who choose to work in the public sector, marking a milestone in the government’s efforts to retain veterinary talent.
In the draft amendments, Lai outlined the prioritization of managing free-roaming animals, clampdowns on illegal breeding, and humane capture of stray cats and dogs and their sterilization before being released for adoption.
Lai recalled the story of his own adopted dog, Ban-ban (斑斑), from the Pingtung County-based Taiwan Dogs Lover Association, which had a stall at the carnival.
Despite Ban-ban’s missing front left leg, which was amputated after being caught in an animal trap, Ban-ban remains a happy and energetic dog, he said.
Other measures promoted in the bill include strengthening animal registration, conducting regular performance evaluations of animal shelters, banning feeding animals around natural reserves and stiffer penalties for those charged with abusing animals, he added.
Lai said that his background as a doctor continues to drive his sense of responsibility for people’s health, and the MOA is also working with the Ministry of Health and Welfare to enhance prevention of zoonotic diseases, ensuring the health of animals and people.
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