TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Legislators launched the "Animal Good Life Association" (動物好生活協會) on Monday (Oct. 28) to advocate for animal welfare and establish Taiwan as an animal-friendly nation.
The Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP, 民進黨) Jean Kuo (郭昱晴) spearheaded the association's formation, with key figures such as Kuomintang's (KMT, 國民黨) Ko Ju-chun (葛如鈞) and DPP's Lai Hui-yuan (賴惠員) in attendance.
Kuo highlighted the association's focus on five major issues: transparency in animal experimentation, regulations for performing animals, friendliness towards economic animals, wildlife conservation, and institutionalization of companion animals.
Lai, a licensed veterinarian, emphasized the association's role in providing a better platform for veterinarians to advocate for animal rights.
DPP Legislator Lee Kuen-cheng (李坤城) noted the growing importance of pet food issues, stating that the association plans to push for amendments to relevant management regulations.
David Tan (譚大倫), president of the Taiwan Veterinary Medical Association (獸醫師公會全國聯合會), expressed optimism about cross-party consensus on animal issues within the Legislative Yuan (立法院) and his eagerness to contribute as a veterinarian.
Jiang Wen-quan (江文全), director of the Department of Animal Welfare (動物保護司) under the Ministry of Agriculture (農業部), acknowledged that Taiwan's Animal Protection Act has been amended 15 times, underscoring the importance of animal rights. Jiang pledged to seek optimal solutions for animal welfare.