Animal welfare legislation and practices vary across countries. Understanding these differences can help professionals evaluate existing approaches and identify opportunities for improvement.
During their stay in the Netherlands, the Taiwanese professionals are learning about Dutch and European animal welfare legislation and how these regulations are applied in practice. By comparing these approaches with the situation in Taiwan, participants gain new insights into animal care, welfare standards and the challenges faced by different sectors.
The programme combines classroom sessions with hands-on training and visits to organisations working with animals. Participants visit four zoos, several exotic animal rescue centres and agricultural businesses to see how animal welfare is addressed in different professional settings. At Aeres Training Centre, practical training sessions focus on the welfare of a wide range of species, including insects, birds, fish, dogs, cats, hoofed animals and horses.
Learning together with Dutch students
An important part of the programme takes place at Aeres University of Applied Sciences in Dronten, where the Taiwanese professionals collaborate with third-year students.
On 19 October, participants and students work in groups to compare animal welfare practices in Taiwan and the Netherlands. They explore similarities and differences, share their experiences and present their findings to each other.
This collaboration gives students the opportunity to learn directly from experienced international professionals, while the Taiwanese participants gain insight into how animal welfare is approached within Dutch higher education.
The discussions encourage participants to consider different perspectives and reflect on how knowledge and practical experiences can contribute to animal welfare improvements.
