In Taiwan, Where the Half Million Stray Dogs and Cats End Up? (Source: Agenda 21st century Taiwan)

Contributor Reporter  Steve Anderson

It is always a dilemma to deal with the increasing numbers of stray dogs and cats. Many of them are abandoned pets without any means to find their former raisers. In most of the Asian cities, stray dogs and cats are caught and sent to temporary shelters, waiting to be adopted. Those are not adopted are eventually killed.

It is estimated that, throughout Taiwan, there are around half million stray dogs and cats. Although many of these wanderers are fed by volunteers, without being kept in a place, people often feel annoyed or even threatened by them. In 2016, Taiwan passed a law against the killing of stray animals, but for those kept in shelters, their death penalty becomes life sentence. Is there more humane way to treat them?

Many groups in Taiwan are working on the rescue and care of stray animals, but almost all of them have to occupy lands illegally. “In legal terms, these lands are for agriculture or livestock raising, not for a great number of pet animals.” Said G. C. Wu, a lawyer and a volunteer, “We are in the mission of finding these poor animals a suitable place to live, including those are sick, injured and newborn babies. But the incomplete law makes our work difficult.”

J. L. Yao, a highly acclaimed architect and philanthropist, has designed modular kennels that can be maintained clean, noise proof, and easy to assemble. “Our foster home allows animal lovers who are unable to take them home to come here and spend time with them.” Said Wu, “Our goal of Phase One is to reduce the number of stray dogs and cats in the communities they hang around into half of the current number.” Wu added.

Well intended, the law nevertheless is not comprehensive in terms of the care of abandoned animals. With the effort and creativity of the public, they have, at least, the opportunity to be provided a decent life.