New Taipei City Holds Animal Union Dharma Service for Over 100 Pet Owners

In New Taipei City, Taiwan, over 100 pet owners gathered with their beloved animals for a "Mid-Year Animal Union Dharma Service." The event, a collaboration between the New Taipei City Animal Protection and防疫处 and Foguangshan Jin Guang Temple, aimed to honor animal companions who have passed away and pray for the well-being of living animals.

Participants engaged in purification rituals, offered flowers, and attended memorial rites. The service sought to convey a message of respecting all life and cherishing the bonds shared with animals. Representatives from various animal welfare organizations, veterinary associations, and pet industry groups also attended, underscoring a collective commitment to animal care.

Master You Guo of Foguangshan Jin Guang Temple referenced Buddhist teachings on the diversity of life, emphasizing the importance of respecting all beings. He stated, "All beings in the world have life. People should not only cherish their own lives but also respect other lives and establish relationships of mutual respect, mutual assistance, and mutual achievement with all things to coexist on Earth."

New Taipei City's Agriculture Bureau Director Chen Shih-hui highlighted the growing societal emphasis on animal protection and welfare. The city provides comprehensive support for pet owners, from adoption to end-of-life care. This includes free collective cremation services for registered cats and dogs and a program to ensure proper handling of deceased animals found on roads, assisting approximately 9,400 animals since 2023.

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All beings in the world have life. People should not only cherish their own lives but also respect other lives and establish relationships of mutual respect, mutual assistance, and mutual achievement with all things to coexist on Earth.