NEW TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The New Taipei City Government Animal Protection and Health Inspection Office officially inaugurated the Houtong Cat Public Office on Monday (April 29) and named a calico cat, Dorayaki, the first director. The office aims to promote animal protection awareness through tourism and increase animal adoption rates.
Houtong, recognized by CNN as one of the top six cat-watching spots in the world, has gradually become a model cat village. The Houtong Cat Public Office, originally an old dormitory of the Houtong railway station, was renovated inside and out by the Animal Protection and Health Inspection Office at the end of last year to enhance the adoption environment and highlight the cat village.
To care for the village's cats, the Animal Protection and Health Inspection Office provides sterilization, medical, and adoption services for stray cats.
Wen Lee, Commissioner of the Agriculture Bureau of the New Taipei City Government, said that the new look and service efficiency of the Cat Public Office will increase the public's awareness of animal protection. Lee urged the public to "adopt, don't abandon, and give them a warm home.
Lee called on everyone to adopt cats from the Cat Public Office but never to abandon them. "Cats are territorial, and those abandoned are easily ostracized," Lee said. He hopes everyone will help maintain the Houtong Cat Village, making both domestic and international visitors recognize New Taipei City as an animal-friendly city.