President Lai Ching-te has lauded Taiwan's progress in animal protection -
highlighting the achievement of ending the euthanasia of stray animals.

Lai told participants at the Asia for Animals Coalition Conference in Taipei
that the central and local governments have continued to work with animal
protection groups to promote a humane capture-neuter policy to reduce the
stray animal population.

The president said that the government has now achieved zero euthanasia, out
of respect for life.

The government officially ended the euthanasia of stray animals in 2017,
after an amendment to the Animal Protection Act mandated that all public
shelters cease the practice.

Lai also highlighted other milestones in Taiwan's animal protection efforts,
including the establishment of the Department of Animal Welfare in 2023 and
last year's amendments to regulations on animal exhibitions "to strengthen
welfare standards and inspection mechanisms."

The Asia for Animals Coalition Conference has been held biennially in
different cities across Asia since 2021.

Taiwan is hosting the three day event for the first time .