TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — New Taipei City Government held the first session of this year’s rescue training program for animal care workers in Shenkeng District on Friday, focusing on improving skills in high-altitude operations and on-site risk assessment.
The city’s Animal Protection Office said that Taiwan records approximately 20,000 animal rescue cases annually, including nearly 200 high-risk incidents. Many of these cases involve animals becoming trapped after accidentally entering elevated roadways, residential yards, pumping stations, or drainage channels, per UDN.
To ensure personnel safety and improve rescue effectiveness, the training program includes risk identification, rope-descent techniques, equipment operation, and precautions for nighttime rescue missions. The program also incorporates hands-on practice with electric tools.
The office said that rescue operations conducted at heights over 2 meters are considered high-altitude work, which requires strict safety measures and advanced technical skills. The agency added that 29 participants joined the training, and two more sessions are planned later this year.
The office highlighted the training program’s effectiveness, citing a case in Luzhou District in December. A cat was trapped on a narrow ledge outside a fourth-floor window. Rescuers assessed the scene, carried out a high-altitude rescue, and used a crane for support to save the cat.
To promote safe operations in water environments, the city government began holding rescue training near Dajianshan Waterfall in Xizhi District in 2024. The exercises simulated animal rescues in drainage channels and covered rope ascending and descending, anchor point setup, and proper techniques for moving rescued animals.
The city government added that rescued animals are usually sent to New Taipei’s stray animal shelter for a health check. Once cleared, they are made available for adoption.
In August, the agency partnered with a restaurant in Sanzhi District to set up a space for animals awaiting adoption, where customers can interact with them to increase their chances of being adopted.
