TAIPEI (TVBS News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德), Secretary-General of the Presidential Office Pan Meng-an (潘孟安), Minister of Agriculture Chen Junne-jih (陳駿季), and Pingtung County Magistrate Chou Chun-mi (周春米) attended the opening of the Pingtung County Animal Shelter (屏東縣動物之家) on Sunday (June 30).
The facility, a first in Taiwan, merges dog and cat sheltering with veterinary services, grooming, behavioral training, and wildlife rescue. Built on a former military site, the shelter spans 3.747 hectares and cost NT$230 million to construct. Its design preserves elements of the old military structures, integrating them with modern animal care concepts.
The facility can accommodate up to 500 dogs, 80 cats, and 270 wild animals, totaling 850 animals. This reflects Taiwan's growing commitment to animal welfare.
At the event, President Lai adopted a stray dog named "Banban" (斑斑), who had lost a limb to a boar trap, highlighting his personal support for the cause. Lai quoted Mahatma Gandhi, saying, "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by how its animals are treated."
He emphasized the need for more cities to emulate Pingtung's example, noting that the number of dogs and cats exceeds the population of children under 14 in Taiwan. Lai's actions and words reinforce his vision of Taiwan as an internationally recognized animal-friendly nation.
