Agriculture Minister Chen Junne-jih (陳駿季) presided over Taiwan’s first K-9 retirement ceremony on Friday, December 12. In addition to awarding medals to 28 government duty dogs, Chen further promoted the ministry's retired K-9 program. He detailed that the program covers veterinary care, and he also hopes to add a "food storage plan" to look after retired K-9s' nutritional needs and reduce the financial burden for adopters.

Friday’s dogs received special "retirement packages" sponsored by a private company that included senior dog food, health supplements, snacks, toys, and a backpack.

Chen stated that, since September 2 of this year, Taiwan has set a precedent in Asia, offering insurance coverage for all 264 active-duty dogs, ensuring they receive health and medical care during their service. Earlier this year, after the Fata'an (Matai'an) River landslide, dogs were essential personnel. After completing their missions, necessary checkups and medical care for the dogs were covered by insurance to keep these ‘essential workers’ healthy.

K-9s are reliable allies of the government in carrying out tasks related to national security, public order, border quarantine, national defense, and disaster search and rescue. Chen said he hopes that the implementation of the food storage plan will support the K-9s through their golden years.