Animal Protection scares residents with threat of fines

Animal Protection scares residents with threat of fines

2024-10-24

The New Taipei City Animal Protection Office recently sent out 10,000 notification letters to pet owners, stating that failure to comply with the regulations for reporting or neutering pets could result in fines ranging from NT$50,000 to NT$250,000. Some people thought it was a scam, while others were worried about being fined, leading to an influx of calls to the Animal Protection Office. The office emphasized that the notification letters were sent according to the standard format from the Ministry of Agriculture and were purely informational, and that there will be no immediate fines imposed. Let’s hear from an official.

Yang Shu-fang
Animal Protection Office Director
The main purpose is to conduct an awareness campaign. It’s a regulatory notification period, allowing pet owners to check their pet information. This will not be used as a basis for fines. If a pet owner is reported or found of incompliance, we will still advise them to take their pets for neutering promptly. If pet owners have already neutered their pets or need to update their registration information, they can go to the veterinary clinic where the procedure was done or any nearby clinic.

The New Taipei City Animal Protection Office emphasized that due to the presence of 20,000 dogs in the city whose microchip information is not updated, they are unable to confirm whether these pets have been neutered. This is why they have been sending out notification letters.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Sun to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

寄"絕育通知書"違者最高罰25萬新北市動保處電話被"打爆"

2024-10-24

新北市動保處，最近寄了一萬封〝寵物絕育通知書〞給毛小孩的主人，內容提到，沒依規定申報或絕育，將裁罰5萬到25萬，有人以為是詐騙，有人擔心被罰，結果把動保處的電話打爆。動保處強調，通知書是按照農業部公版寄發，單純通知性質，不會立即開罰。

[[新北市動保處處長楊淑方]]
“主要是在做一個宣導，法規的宣導期，讓飼主清查自己的寵物資訊，並不會做這個為裁罰的依據。如果說民眾真的被檢舉，或是被稽查到的話，我們還是會請民眾趕快帶寵物去做絕育。民眾如果說自己的寵物已經絕育了，或者是說寵登上的資訊要變更，可以到醫院端，或是自己曾經幫毛寶貝絕育的醫院，或是鄰近的醫院都可以。”新北市動保處強調，礙於新北市有兩萬隻小狗，晶片沒更新，無法確認是否已經絕育，才會陸續寄發通知書。

新北市動保處強調，礙於新北市有兩萬隻小狗，晶片沒更新，無法確認是否已經絕育，才會陸續寄發通知書。

更多新聞內容，請鎖定：
民視台灣台（152頻道）週日至週五晚上9:30
民視新聞台（53頻道）週二至週六凌晨1:00

Related News

European Parliament opposes China’s abuse of Resolution 2758

The European Parliament’s first resolution supporting Taiwan in the new legislative term opposes China’s use of UN Resolution 2758 as an excuse to block Taiwan’s participation in international organizations. Before the vote, Members of the European Parliament engaged in a debate, where nearly all 24 speakers, regardless of party affiliation, expressed strong support for Taiwan and criticized China’s threats to peace in the Indo-Pacific region. On Thursday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that this is the first time a European Commissioner, representing the EU’s executive branch during the debate, has expressed the Commission’s position on this resolution, and the ministry welcomed it warmly.

Since the European Parliament opened its session in July, the first resolution supporting Taiwan was voted on, with a total of seven versions. The resolution opposes China’s misuse of UN Resolution 2758 to forcibly impose representation on Taiwan. On the evening of the Oct. 22, a debate was held in the plenary session, during which the executive branch expressed its stance first.

Nicolas Schmit
European Commissioner
The United Nations Resolution 2758 is very short, only 150 words. The word “Taiwan” does not appear.

From the far left to the far right, 24 members of parliament took turns speaking, nearly unanimously criticizing China’s threats to security in the Indo-Pacific region and expressing strong support for Taiwan’s international participation.

Dainius Žalimas
MEP
This is the most deplorable resolution in UN history. Taiwan has never been a part of the People’s Republic of China. The Taiwanese people have realized their right to self-determination by establishing a liberal democracy.

Engin Eroglu
MEP
We see China’s military aggression in the Taiwan Strait, which will certainly affect the Indo-Pacific region. The situation there is showing a spiraling escalation.

Last week, former President Tsai Ing-wen was invited to visit the European Parliament, drawing significant attention with over 30 members of parliament and 50 policy advisors and assistants lining up to meet her. Slovakian MEP Miriam Lexmann emphasized that China’s hegemonic actions threaten the world economy, and thus, it is crucial not to allow China to abuse the "One China" policy to obstruct necessary cooperation between the EU and Taiwan.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Sun to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

2024-10-24

Huawei likely accessed TSMC chips via proxy companies

2024-10-24

Taoyuan, Japan’s Tsukubamirai are sister cities, deepen exchanges

On Wednesday, Taoyuan City established a sister city relationship with Tsukubamirai in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan. The agreement was signed by Taoyuan Mayor Chang San-cheng and Tsukubamirai Mayor Odagawa Hiroshi. Tsukubamirai is Taoyuan’s 37th sister city, and both sides will engage in in-depth exchanges in areas such as agriculture, youth baseball, sports, and economics.

The wooden sculpture engraved with plums, cherry blossoms and rice was a “sister city gift” presented by Taoyuan Mayor Chang San-cheng to Tsukubamirai Mayor Odagawa Hiroshi. Chang attended the sister city agreement signing ceremony on Wednesday afternoon, formalizing the friendly relationship with Tsukubamirai.

Chang San-cheng
Taoyuan Mayor
I am very honored to sign today’s sister city agreement with Tsukubamirai. In the future, we believe we will actively promote exchanges in sports, culture, education, economics, and agriculture, fostering a deep friendship between our two cities.

Tsukubamirai is Taoyuan’s 37th sister city, and both sides will engage in in-depth exchanges in agriculture, youth baseball, sports, and economics. Additionally, Chang revealed that the city’s Agricultural Bureau plans to visit Tsukubamirai next year to participate in the 27th “Rice Flavor Analysis and Tasting Competition,” strengthening agricultural exchanges between the two cities.

Odagawa Hiroshi
Tsukubamirai Mayor
Regarding this, we are about to engage in agricultural exchanges. Since Tsukubamirai hosts rice-related competitions, we hope that Taoyuan City will participate. We believe that through these exchanges, the friendship between our two cities can be further deepened.

Chang San-cheng
Taoyuan Mayor
As Mayor Otagawa mentioned regarding the rice competition, we will bring our best rice from Taoyuan to participate. Additionally, we have discovered that beyond agriculture, there are many areas for exchange in education, sports, culture, and economics. These are all areas where we can expand our collaboration in the future.

Establishing sister city relationships not only promotes Taiwan on the international stage but also showcases the deep ties of friendship between Taiwan and Japan.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Sun to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

2024-10-24

Yushan authorities warn hikers only to hike if fit and strong

In recent years, a day trip up the main peak of Yushan has become a popular hike. It’s a very long trip, but it can be squeezed into 12 to16 hours, by a fit and strong hiker. However, authorities warn that there have already been several accidents on the peak this year. Some hikers may be tempted to go up when their body isn’t up to the task. Experts warn that if you’re not feeling 100% on the day of your hike, it’s better not to risk it.

Hikers make their way up Yushan Main Peak. Reaching the top feels like a colossal achievement.

Paiyun Lodge, near the peak, has just 116 beds, which are allocated by lottery. That’s the only way to make a two-day overnight trip up here. So, many hikers who don’t win the lottery choose instead to make a simple trip up and down the mountain in one day.

But even just the walk from the trailhead to the main peak is a 21.8 km round trip. Adding in walking to the parking lot, and you add 6 km. It’s a 12-to-16-hour walk. Hikers normally set out at 2 or 3 a.m. in the pitch black. If they don’t reach Paiyun Lodge by a certain time, it means their strength isn’t quite up to the peak today. It’s not something to push.

Bagkall Haivangang
Yushan National park Administration
Our colleagues at Paiyun Lodge will notice, if you haven’t passed the lodge by 10 a.m., and they’ll urge you to head back down again.

The national park authorities stress that there have already been five accidents involving hikers on day trips this year: three cases of exhaustion and two of sprained ankles. All were related to a lack of fitness. When descending the mountain, it’s particularly easy to make a wobbly step or feel your legs give out and get into trouble.

Bagkall Haivangang
Yushan National Park Administration
Exhaustion while walking can cause you to pull a muscle or to get cramps.

Hiker
On high mountains, you’re afraid of the cold temperatures or rain. If your physical condition on the day doesn’t allow you to go up, then I’d recommend people to find the courage of “the better part of valor is discretion.”

Authorities remind hikers planning a day trip up Yushan that proper fitness training beforehand is a must. As winter approaches, heading up the mountain carelessly is no joke.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Sun to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

2024-10-24

A day in the dramatic life of a Taiwanese forest ranger

Have you ever thought about the life of Taiwan’s forest rangers? These public servants have one of the most varied and exciting jobs around. Protecting forests from illegal activity, helping emergency services navigate forests: these rangers need to have a huge range of skills. They also need to be very physically fit, to carry heavy gear up and down the steep slopes. Today we have a glimpse into the life and work of a forest ranger, as we drop in on one of their many emergency drills.

A helicopter circles, then lets down a line with a forest ranger suited up in full gear. On the grass, 47 rangers from Yilan and Hualien are lined up ready to join the drill.

Chou Yuan-shu
Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency
We have a lot of training, including in wireless communications, map-reading, measuring, and so on. All this is included in the skills they can use in the line of duty. There are also search and rescue trainings, which they might use in mountain emergencies or in collaboration with the fire department.

These forest rangers are employed by the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency. They’re an important guardian for Taiwan’s forests and natural spaces. Apart from their regular work in forests, they also have to step up as guides for police, fire fighters and search and rescue agents in an emergency: an indispensable role.

Hu Chin-pao
Forest ranger
When entering the deep mountains, there are some dangers. For example, poisonous hornets and snakes, or even sometimes a moment of carelessness on a loose stone could mean you slip down a high slope.

It’s a job with lots of different hats – and lots of different risks. When they go out on a mission, they’re decked head to toe in equipment, weighing upwards of 20 kg. That requires peak fitness, both physical and mental. But the passion and sense of purpose make it all worth it, for this ranger with over 20 years’ experience.

Hu Chin-pao
Forest ranger
It’s been almost 24 years now. At first, it’s just that I felt interested, and liked to be in contact with nature. And then as time went on, I saw some cases of illegal logging and so on and I wanted to protect the forest.

Work for the rangers is tough and full of heavy responsibilities. But with all that time spent among the great trees, they learn to understand the forest deeply, and to feel grateful for a chance to protect it.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Sun to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

2024-10-24

Site of Yilan natural hot springs to become geothermal power plant

2024-10-24

Eateries prioritize hot food as the cold months set in

As the year turns towards the colder months, our appetites are shifting. Restaurants and food stalls are switching to prioritize hotter eats where they can. Even convenience stores are putting more effort into hot food items. Today we take a look at how various eateries are preparing for the winter, with the business at a braised stew stall hotting up, and convenience stores getting serious about comfort food.

This braised stew stall is bursting with options, all kinds of vegetables and other hotpot ingredients.

The customer’s orders go into a medicinal broth to be braised: dried tofu is sliced and dropped in to soak up the deliciousness. For a lighter meal, you can go for all veggies.

The temperature’s gradually dropping, and that leads many to look for a warming meal.

Ms. Shen
Braised stew stall owner
The busy season is about mid-November. As it gets colder, business picks up. If the temperature suddenly drops a little, a few more people might come.

In the summer, which is off-season, a braised stew stall will only make up to NT$10,000 a day. But in the colder months, it could be upwards of NT$20,000. It will have to stock up on two or three times as much produce. As fall sets in, both stalls and chain restaurants are gearing up.

Steaming-hot sweet potatoes, oden, stewed chickenlegs: all available at a convenience store. There’s also a new sweetcorn steamer full of purple and yellow corn getting steamed until soft and sweet. The frozen corn market sees 1.3 million corns sold a year.

Member of public
The convenience store has a fast braised option, or sweet potatoes or steamed corn. It’s faster, and for some of my trips for work, it’s more convenient and quick.

Promotion of braised items and oden has brought this store more customers and profit growth of more than 30%. At another convenience store, profits on hot food are expected to grow 50% with continued promotion of a favorite from last year, Southeast Asian Spicy and Sour Soup. The season for hot eats is coming.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Sun to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

2024-10-24

Income tax refunds to be credited to accounts by month’s end

2024-10-24

Disabled artisan builds global brand of premium fountain pens

A Tainan artisan has created a global brand of handmade fountain pens. Kuo Tung-tzu’s cedar-clad pens have found fans all over the world, and his family workshop is a small but tight business. Earlier this year, one of his pens made it to the hands of Lai Ching-te to sign his first document as president, which raised the profile of the Tainan workshop even further. Despite catching polio as a small child and having mobility issues, Kuo has always believed in himself. His business continues a proud tradition of craftsmanship that is hundreds of years’ strong in Tainan.

Kuo Tung-tzu makes a round of his workshop. You can see from the crutches that this business owner is handling difficulties few of us have encountered.

Kuo Tung-tzu
Fountain pen artisan
My mom had a big influence on me, because she told me, “We didn’t choose for you to have this difficulty with your legs. So there’s no need to feel ashamed of it. If people bully you, that’s just something to tolerate.”

This encouragement from his mother gave Kuo the self-confidence to develop expertise in a profession and to take pride in his life journey. He founded a company that creates handmade fountain pens, and sells them all over the globe.

Kuo Tung-tzu
Fountain pen artisan
So long as a person wants to survive, and we’re given just a little bit of land that’s our space, then we can grow. If you don’t want to work, you’ll always feel tired, even if you’re lying on the softest sofa.

If you ask what Kuo’s wife Huang Ching-chu thinks of her husband, her eyes well up. She’s been at his side through decades of struggle, and has no complaints or regrets.

Huang Ching-chu
Wife of Kuo Tung-tzu
I really admire him. Although he has mobility issues, he works harder than the average person.

Now their son and daughter both work in the marketing department of the family business. The whole family works together to make this Taiwanese brand a player on the global stage.

Kuo Ting-fang
Daughter of Kuo Tung-tzu
Don’t limit yourself, or think you can’t do something. Just give it a try. Maybe you’ll have the chance.

In the first official document signed by President Lai Ching-te after assuming office, he used one of Kuo’s artisanal pens, an honor which has further raised this Tainan brand’s profile. As the saying goes, “Heaven helps those who help themselves.” Kuo’s life story is an example of perseverance we can all celebrate.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Sun to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

2024-10-24

Torrential rain warnings issued for Northern Taiwan

2024-10-24