TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taipei's Animal Protection Office will partner with the Taiwan Animal Protection Association to host a charity market in Ximending on Saturday, with all proceeds going to the care of stray animals.
The office said the event will also offer 100 free rabies vaccinations for pets and feature an adoption event for stray animals. A seminar on senior pet care is also scheduled during the event, per CNA.
Through its partnership with the association, the office said that 107 dogs from the city’s public animal shelter have been adopted. Last year, the association also sent staff to care for 40 senior and aggressive dogs at the shelter.
Taipei’s public animal shelter has five dog and cat kennels, equipped with ventilation, air conditioning, and regular cleaning services. Its maximum capacity is 840 dogs and 360 cats. As of August, the facility's capacity stood at 1,090 animals.
The office regularly sets up booths at city markets and tourist spots to facilitate the adoption of stray animals. It also opens the animal shelter to schools and businesses for visits, aiming to increase the adoption of stray animals.
As of August, the office has spayed and neutered over 53,000 stray cats and 4,310 stray dogs, contributing to a gradual decrease in the number of animals entering the shelter.
Taipei has introduced 20 bus routes where dogs are allowed to ride. Pet owners must ensure their dogs are kept on a leash, held or seated under their owner's seat while traveling. Taipei Metro has also expanded its policy to permit dogs on the subway, provided the pets are kept in carriers with their heads and limbs fully inside.
Additionally, the city government has established around 20 dog-friendly parks equipped with recreational facilities for dogs, including grassy areas, sloped wooden platforms, T-shaped walkways, and tire tunnels. These parks also provide cleaning amenities such as waste bins, dog waste bags, and washing stations to help owners clean up after their dogs.
The event is Saturday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., at the plaza in front of Eslite Wuchang Store in Ximending.
