TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Kaohsiung City is expanding its pet dog activity areas in response to a growing dog-owning population. Yang Chin-fu (楊欽富), director of the city's Public Works Bureau (工務局), announced on Tuesday (Jan. 20) that the city has already established 11 such areas and plans to add three more this year. This initiative aims to provide more space for Taiwan's growing pet population, which has surpassed the number of children under 15 years old as Taiwanese have fewer children.
Initially, Kaohsiung City set up its first pet dog activity area in a park in Lingya District (苓雅), followed by Gangshan District (岡山). By the end of last year, new areas were added in Fongshan District (鳳山) and three other locations. In the previous year, Kaohsiung City further expanded by adding five more areas in Mituo District (彌陀), Ciaotou District (橋頭), Zihguan District (梓官), Yanchao District (燕巢), and Gangshan District. This increase brought the total number of activity areas to 11, and the city plans to add three more dog parks this year.
The city follows the "at least one area per district" principle when establishing these activity zones. Authorities consider the surrounding environment and local consensus, often choosing parks with lower usage rates and those not adjacent to residential areas. This approach minimizes disruption to nearby residents while providing ample space for dogs to play. Features include fences and double-layered entrances, ensuring both the safety and enjoyment of pets and their owners.
Kaohsiung's Parks Office (公園處) reminds the public that, while it maintains these areas, responsible use falls primarily on pet owners. They must adhere to rules and clean up after their pets to ensure the spaces remain pleasant for all visitors. This collaborative effort between the city and its residents is crucial for the success of these pet-friendly initiatives.