In today's society, pets are considered family members, and the aftermath of their passing is receiving increasing attention. To provide citizens with comprehensive pet life services, Taichung City Government has chosen Dajia District to build a "Public Pet Memorial Park," and held a grand groundbreaking ceremony today. This model park, encompassing cremation, refrigeration, and memorial services, is expected to become the first public landmark facility in the country upon completion. It will not only serve pet dogs and cats but also allow stray dogs and cats to pass away with dignity. Deputy Mayor Cheng stated that this life park fully demonstrates the city government's commitment to a people-centered approach, extending to a life-centered approach, and providing four core values: "Diversity, Accountability, Dignity, and Friendly." Today's groundbreaking ceremony marks Taichung's leading position as an animal-friendly city nationwide, and the city will continue its efforts to become a national model for animal friendliness.

    The number of registered dogs and cats in Taichung City has exceeded 300,000, and pets have become important members of many families. Adhering to the philosophy of "respect for life," the Taichung City Government is committed to caring for pets throughout their lives. Since 2023, it has been planning the "Public Pet Memorial Park." After a rigorous site selection and land relocation process, a plot of land in Jianjing Section, Dajia District, was chosen as the construction site. The site covers approximately 2,700 square meters, with a building area of approximately 620 square meters. The park's design breaks away from the traditional image of NIMBY (Not in My Backyard) facilities, cleverly using lattice bricks and window designs to showcase the interplay of light and shadow, symbolizing the continuous life imprints and traces of each pet, conveying the meaning of the cycle of life and its endless renewal. The park also incorporates modern, environmentally friendly advanced crematoriums and air pollution control equipment, a freezer, a bone collection room, an ash reprocessing room, and a memorial space for pet owners to remember their loved ones, aiming to provide a solemn and tranquil environment for life education. In the future, the park will not only provide pet owners with a variety of credible and diverse options with transparent pricing for handling their pets' funerals, but will also assist animal shelters and roadkill stray dogs and cats in cremating their remains here. Whether pets or strays, they can all receive proper and dignified care, demonstrating the city government's emphasis on all life.

    Taichung City Government hopes that by establishing the Dajia Public Pet Memorial Facility, it can continue Taichung City's leading pet-friendly policy in the country, taking into account both animal welfare and environmental protection, creating a modern life education demonstration park, and making Taichung a warm city that truly respects every life.

    ※We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Legislator Yang Chiung-ying, City Councilor Yang Chi-pang, City Councilor Shih Chih-chang, former City Government Advisor Tsai Pi-ju, Dajia District Chief Yen Chin-yuan, Dingdian Village Chief Huang An-chen, Minshan Village Chief Lin Ching-liang, Taichung City Mortuary Services Office Director Chou Wei-chang, Dong Sheng Engineering Consulting Co., Ltd. General Manager Liu Mei-hsu, HRJ Architect & Associates Designer Lin Yi-hsuan, Yong Hui Construction Co., Ltd. Chairman Kao Yung-feng, Taichung Veterinary Medical Association Chairman Shih Chin-sheng, Taichung Veterinary Medical Association Director Yang Chien-ju, and Chung Ya Incinerators Corp. Deputy General Manager Chang Yao-wen for their presence and guidance. We also thank Vice President Chiang Chi-chen, Legislator Chen Ching-lung, and City Councilors Li Wen-chieh, Wang Li-jen, Chen Pen-tien, Huang Shou-ta, Hsu Hsuan-feng, and Chiu Ai-shan for sending representatives to participate in today's event.