TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao (蕭美琴) announced on Friday (July 5) that the government will continue to promote pet policies and management measures to balance animal welfare and consumer rights, fostering a buoyant pet economy. Hsiao made this statement during the Chanchao Taipei Pets Show 2024 opening ceremony.
The Taipei Pets Show, held from July 5 to 8 at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center, Hall 1 (台北南港展覽館1館), has expanded its exhibition area for the first time to include both the 1st and 4th floors. The show features 1,800 booths and 2,000 well-known pet brands, including 21 prominent brands from Singapore, Thailand, South Korea, mainland China, and Japan.
Vice President Hsiao toured several pet food booths, inquiring about their contents and listening to exhibitors introduce emerging pets like the call duck (柯爾鴨) and sugar glider (蜜袋鼯). Hsiao highlighted that, on average, one in three households in Taiwan owns a pet, reflecting the increased demand for pets in a society facing low birth rates and an aging population.
The Ministry of Agriculture (農業部) recently reorganized to establish the Department of Animal Welfare (動物保護司), underscoring the government's commitment to animal protection. Additionally, the Ministry launched a pet identification policy this year, which Hsiao emphasized will integrate pet information, enhance owner convenience, and ensure animal welfare.
International exhibitors from Japan, Hong Kong, and New Zealand also participated in the show, offering opportunities for product exchange and discussions on pet policies and regulations. The government's ongoing efforts aim to address the comprehensive needs of pets, ensuring a balanced development of the pet economy.