TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taichung City government said Tuesday it will spend NT$80 million (US$2.52 million) to create an additional public pet memorial park in Dajia District, per CNA.

The park covers an area of approximately 800 pings (2,645 square meters) and will feature crematories, refrigeration units, and memorial spaces. It is expected to handle around 4,000 dogs and cats annually.

Construction on the park will begin next year and is expected to be completed by late next year or early the following year.

The number of pets in Taichung has grown by 130,000 over the past five years. With a population of approximately 2.86 million, the city has more than 270,000 pet dogs and cats, or about one pet for every 10 residents. This places Taichung third in pet ownership, following New Taipei and Kaohsiung.

Mayor Lu Shiow-yen (盧秀燕) said the city needs to establish more pet-related regulations and facilities. She noted that while the city had one pet park in 2019, the number has increased to 18, with plans to reach 30 by the end of this year.

Taichung Agriculture Bureau Director Chang Ching-chang (張敬昌) said the city government has worked to create a pet-friendly environment and has received top honors in animal protection and shelter evaluations for six consecutive years.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture, starting next year, pet owners who fail to register their pets or implant microchips will face fines ranging from NT$3,000 to NT$15,000. Chang said that if registration is not completed, fines will increase from NT$10,000 to NT$50,000, per the city’s animal protection regulations.

The city's pet cremation memorial park, located in Shengang District, opened in 2022. It accommodates 1,300 pet ashes and regularly holds memorial services.