Taipei, Taiwan – A recent incident in Taipei's Da'an District involved a pit bull jumping out of a car window and attacking a person on Wolong Street. This is the same dog that was involved in a similar incident on March 6, where it jumped out of a car window and bit someone.
The Animal Protection Office has fined the owner, surnamed Hsu, a total of NT$200,000 for the two incidents, with fines of NT$50,000 and NT$150,000 respectively. According to the Animal Protection Division of the Ministry of Agriculture, there are 3,974 pit bulls registered and under management in Taiwan, with Kaohsiung City having the highest number at 502.
The Animal Protection Division emphasizes that aggressive dogs must be leashed with a lead no longer than 1.5 meters and muzzled when in public places; failure to do so can result in fines of up to NT$150,000 according to the Animal Protection Act.
The incident has sparked heated discussions, as it occurred just 11 days after a similar event in Taipei's Wenshan District, where the same pit bull jumped out of a car window and injured a scooter rider waiting at a traffic light.
According to the Council of Agriculture's announcement, pit bulls have been listed as "designated animals that are prohibited from being bred or imported" since March 1, 2022. Those who already own pit bulls must complete registration for future reference to continue owning them; violators may face fines ranging from NT$50,000 to NT$250,000, and the dog may be confiscated.
Chen Chung-hsing, Deputy Director of the Animal Protection Division of the Ministry of Agriculture, stated that the Council of Agriculture announced on March 1, 2022, that pit bulls and American Staffordshire Terriers would be listed as "designated animals that are prohibited from being bred or imported". Owners were required to complete registration before February 28, 2023, to continue owning them. Registered dogs must be neutered and cannot be bred; changes in ownership or death must also be registered.
According to statistics from the Ministry of Agriculture, a total of 3,974 pit bulls have been registered in Taiwan. The cities with the highest numbers of registered pit bulls are Kaohsiung City (502), Pingtung (494), Tainan City (386), Taichung City (375), Hualien (319), and Taipei City (106). The pit bull owned by Hsu in this case is registered.
In addition, regulations regarding "protective measures for aggressive pets and their access to public places" stipulate that aggressive pets must be accompanied by an adult in public places and places accessible to the public, and must be leashed with a lead no longer than 1.5 meters and wear a breathable muzzle that does not affect heat dissipation. When transported, they must be carried in a sturdy metal cage with sun protection and ventilation. Violators may be fined between NT$30,000 and NT$150,000.
Dangerous dog breeds include: Pit Bull Terrier (American Pit Bull Terrier or American Pit Bull), American Staffordshire Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Neapolitan Mastiff, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Tibetan Mastiff, Bull Mastiff, Cane Corso and Dogue de Bordeaux.
Regarding whether non-dangerous dogs should also be required to be leashed, Chen Chung-hsing said that the Animal Protection Act does not currently require dogs to be leashed when taken out, but rather it is regulated by local ordinances, so not every city or county has this requirement.
