Stray dog tracking entered a new phase on Tuesday as the Ministry of Agriculture launched an AI-powered mobile application. The initiative allows members of the public to photograph stray dogs and geo-tag sightings using satellite mapping technology. Officials said the effort aims to improve public safety while strengthening long-term, data-driven stray animal management nationwide.
According to the Department of Animal Welfare, users must verify their phone numbers before submitting reports through the application. After verification, users can upload photos, adjust precise locations, and record distance and direction of sightings. Consequently, stray dog tracking data will accumulate through consistent citizen participation across different regions.
Users are also prompted to input the number of dogs observed, estimated gender, and whether any animals wear collars. In addition, optional notes allow contributors to describe behavior or environmental conditions. Meanwhile, artificial intelligence integrated into the app automatically estimates dog numbers from uploaded photographs.
The ministry said the collected information will support construction of a nationwide risk assessment map. This map will integrate data from routine surveys, traffic accident reports, wildlife predation incidents, and human-dog conflict cases. As a result, authorities can identify high-risk areas and deploy resources more effectively.
Since Taiwan implemented a no-kill policy for stray dogs and cats in 2017, related challenges have increased. Stray dogs have affected ecosystems, injured vulnerable residents, and contributed to fatal scooter accidents. However, local governments previously managed hotspots independently, resulting in inconsistent standards and uneven resource allocation.
Officials acknowledged that fragmented management limited scientific analysis and reduced overall effectiveness. Therefore, stray dog tracking through a unified national platform aims to establish consistent, evidence-based decision-making. The ministry said centralized data will improve coordination between local and national authorities.
Looking ahead, officials expect public participation to expand steadily as awareness grows. They added that predictive modeling will improve as data volumes increase over time. Ultimately, stray dog tracking is intended to stabilize populations while balancing public safety, animal welfare, and ecological protection.
