Known as the oldest and largest search and rescue dog organization in German history, Bundesverband Rettungshunde e.V. (literally referred to as the Federal Association of Rescue Dogs, also known as BRH) came to Taiwan to have technical exchanges with the Fire Bureau of Taichung City Government. Yesterday (on the 1st), BRH paid a special visit to Houli Park of Taichung Animal Shelter to exchange ideas on various themes, including the planning of kennel hardware and equipment, feeding management, medical care, and the promotion of dog adoption. The Taichung City Animal Protection and Epidemic Prevention Department (hereinafter referred to as the Department) expressed its commitment to continue to have exchanges with worldwide countries to enhance animal welfare by aligning with international standards.

The Department stated that BRH was the oldest and biggest search and rescue dog organization in German history. BRH not only maintains close interactions with the search and rescue dog team of Taichung City’s Fire Bureau, but also visited Nantun Park of Taichung Animal Shelter in 2019 to exchange training experiences and opinions with Taichung Animal Shelter’s dog trainers.

In addition to the one-week joint training program with the National Fire Agency (NFA) of the Ministry of the Interior, BRH had also been scheduled to visit Houli Park of Taichung Animal Shelter. The Park was recently reconstructed and reopened on April 4, 2021, with a focus on the five innovative core principles of animal welfare. Its mission is to promote “education and advocacy”, “adoption and transportation”, and “tourism and leisure”. That is, apart from providing shelter for dogs and cats, the Park also serves as a platform for life education and has become a must-visit destination for domestic and foreign animal and education-related groups.

The Department pointed out that Taichung City created the nation’s first shelter dog training team in 2012 with the goal of helping sheltered dogs to find their way back to families. Through the training process, the team aims to rebuild the trust between stray animals and humans, thereby fostering positive interactions between dogs and their owners.