Therapy dog program makes Taiwan more animal-friendly

2016/04/20

A training program turning sheltered dogs into therapy canines is underway in Taipei City, reflecting a rising awareness of the importance of animal welfare in Taiwan.

Established by the local government’s Animal Protection Office, the program selects suitable candidates and arranges for their training and matching with owners by Taipei-headquartered Formosa Animal-Assisted Activity and Therapy Association. Since FAAATA’s founding in 1999, it has trained more than 300 dogs.

Association trainer Teng Hui-chin said dog therapists can assist the elderly, infirm and young undertake various kinds of rehabilitation exercises not possible with human therapists or assistive devices. “But it’s their companionship that makes all the difference when it comes to enhancing the psychological well-being of patients.”

During the launch of the program April 11, Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je said the initiative is an extension of a service dog plan introduced late last year. “In addition to finding a permanent home for these canines, it offers the animals a chance to prove invaluable helpers and make a real contribution to society.”

The therapy program follows in the footsteps of the nation’s first service dog project implemented five years ago by Tainan City Government in southern Taiwan. According to TCG Animal Health Inspection and Protection Office, 4,600 sheltered canines have been placed to date, with half guarding farms and fish ponds.

The success of such programs is in line with a 28.62 percent fall in the number of dogs at public shelters nationwide since 2012, according to Council of Agriculture data. During the same period, the adoption rate surged to 70.28 percent from 28.54 percent, further underscoring Taiwan’s rise as an animal-friendly society.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=243970&ctNode=2194&mp=9)