President Lai Calls Himself a "Dog Person," Supports Development of Pet Product Industry Chain

(CNA Taipei, July 3, 2026) The "2026 Taipei Pet Show" opened this morning at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center. President Lai Ching-te, attending the ribbon-cutting ceremony, referred to himself as a "dog person" and stated his support for the pet product industry chain, alongside sectors like semiconductors and biotechnology, designating it as a key national development area.

President Lai mentioned that in addition to supporting the pet show in his capacity as president, he would also take this opportunity to buy items for his own dog, as well as for former President Tsai Ing-wen and Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim, who also love their furry companions.

President Lai shared that his grandfather and uncle both kept dogs when he was young, and he grew up playing with them, naturally becoming a "dog person." He currently has two dogs: one named Murphy, who wandered in when Lai was vice president and refused to leave after several days, leading to his adoption; the other, "Ban Ban," was adopted in Pingtung County through an introduction by Minister of Agriculture Chen Chun-chi.

President Lai noted that Taiwan has approximately 3.2 million pet dogs and cats, with a related industry output value of about NT$80 billion. This trend is expected to continue growing. This year's exhibition features 480 companies and 2,100 booths, an increase from last year, indicating the increasing completeness of Taiwan's pet product industry chain. He supports the pet product industry, alongside the semiconductor, biotechnology, precision machinery, and future robotics industry chains, as key national development areas.

President Lai stated that the government is promoting the "Act for the Transformation and Upgrading Development of Small and Micro Enterprises" to assist these businesses in developing and forming industries. While large corporations can continue to grow, small and micro enterprises will also have opportunities for robust development.

President Lai then invited Democratic Progressive Party legislator Su Chiao-hui to the stage and asked her which "camp" she belonged to. Su Chiao-hui replied that she was a "dog person." She mentioned that she had owned two dogs 10 years ago, but her daughter prefers cats. She fully understands how much families with furry children value pet products and food.

Su Chiao-hui emphasized the need for regulations in the manufacturing or distribution of pet products and food. She suggested that when establishing regulations, the voices of the industry should be heard to create more complete and comprehensive rules that are easier to implement, which is the best way to protect our furry companions. (Editor: Li Ming-tsung) 0703

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