DPP Legislator Kuo Yu-ching (郭昱晴) together with over 30 cross-party legislators launched the Animals' Wellbeing Alliance (AWA) for animal welfare on Monday. The initiative aims to foster a healthier dialogue around animal issues and transform Taiwan into a more animal-friendly nation.
The newly-formed association, which includes DPP legislators Lai Hui-yuan (賴惠員) and Chung Chia-pin (鍾佳濱), as well as KMT legislator Ko Ju-chun (葛如鈞), seeks to strengthen advocacy for animal welfare by collaborating with veterinarians and private animal protection organizations. Kuo, who serves as the association's president, emphasized the five key subjects of focus which are laboratory animals, performance animals, livestock, wildlife, and pets.
Concerning the ways they aim to help these demographics, Kuo cited several examples, such as raising standards and evaluation for better animal protection in laboratories and implementing a systematic framework for inspection and improvement for the many venues that showcase performance animals. As for the other groups, Kuo also expressed her hope to refine policies, bolster Taiwan's biodiversity, and educate pet owners on responsible care, including matters relating to pet food and insurance, by partnering with animal welfare groups.