President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) spoke out in support of animal welfare at the 2026 Dogs and Cats Carnival hosted by the DPP at Rongxing Garden Park in Taipei on Sunday, January 18. In his address, Lai stated that with the number of pet cats and dogs exceeding 3.4 million, more than the number of children under 14, the government must prioritize animal protection. He underscored that respect for animals reflects a civilized society.

The President highlighted the Agriculture Ministry’s establishment of the Animal Protection Division in 2023, responsible for collaborating with non-governmental organizations to promote animal welfare work. He also pointed out that the Cabinet recently passed an amendment to the Animal Protection Act, raising the standards and responsibilities of pet owners, the penalties for abandonment, and strengthening the crackdown on illegal breeding, trafficking, and animal cruelty. The president said, "These cats and dogs are also part of this earth. They have the opportunity to be born and live in our Taiwanese society. Everyone should love and cherish them, and those who abuse them should be punished."

President Lai also promoted the "Animal Companion Disaster Prevention and Evacuation Handbook" published by the Taiwan Veterinary Medical Association, detailing procedures for pets in case of emergency. The handbook, recently released on Friday, is currently available in Chinese at local veterinary clinics and via download here. Lai encouraged all animal lovers to work toward a society where no pets are abandoned or abused.