Pit Bull Attacks in Taiwan
Recent Incidents
The pit bull "Lucky" has been at the center of two recent attacks in Taipei City, Taiwan. Within a span of just 11 days, the dog jumped out of a car window and bit motorcyclists on Wanmei Street in Wenshan District and then on Wolong Street in Daan District. These incidents have caused injuries and panic among some residents.
Despite the injured riders not filing a lawsuit, the Taipei City Government's Department of Economic Development imposed a total fine of NT$200,000 and decided to confiscate the pit bull. The decision reflects concerns over the dog's aggressive behavior and the owner's inability to properly control it.
Background on Pit Bulls
Pit bulls are known for their strong and sometimes aggressive nature. There have been numerous cases worldwide of pit bulls attacking humans, pets, and stray animals, with several incidents resulting in fatalities. In Taiwan, there have been records of unfortunate incidents involving pit bulls due to irresponsible pet ownership.
Animal Protection Measures
Taiwan has implemented measures to address animal-related incidents. The Animal Protection Act includes provisions for fining owners who fail to properly restrain aggressive pets. Additionally, efforts are being made to educate the public on responsible pet ownership and to manage stray animal populations effectively.
January 24, 2019: Pit Bull Kills Stray Dog
On January 24, 2019, a tragic incident occurred in Zhongzheng District, Keelung City, Taiwan. A pit bull terrier, owned by a man surnamed Chen, escaped from its home due to the owner's negligence. The dog ran loose in the streets and fatally attacked an elderly stray dog.
The pit bull was subsequently taken into custody by the Animal Protection Office. The owner, Chen, was referred to the legal authorities for violating the Animal Protection Act. This incident highlights concerns about irresponsible pet ownership and the need for stricter enforcement of animal control laws in Taiwan.
August 27, 2020: Pit Bull Attacks Innocent Passing Rider
On August 27, 2020, a disturbing incident occurred in Yunlin County, Taiwan, involving a pit bull attack on an unsuspecting cyclist. A man surnamed Liao was riding his bike in the evening when he encountered a scooter carrying a pit bull. The dog suddenly bit Liao's leg, causing severe lacerations.
The incident happened on Hu Xing North Road, highlighting concerns about public safety and animal control in the area. Such attacks underscore the importance of responsible pet ownership and ensuring that pets are properly secured when in public.
This event echoes similar incidents where pets have caused harm due to inadequate supervision or restraint. It serves as a reminder for pet owners to take necessary precautions to prevent such incidents in the future.
October 10, 2021: Drunk Man Teases Pitbull, Dies After Being Bitten Back
In a tragic incident in Hsinchu County, Taiwan, a pit bull named "Jian Shi" was involved in a fatal attack on a man in 2021. The dog, unable to endure teasing by its owner's friend, bit the man, causing him to die from excessive blood loss.
The incident highlights the dangers of interacting with animals inappropriately, especially breeds known for their strength and protective instincts like pit bulls. Following the incident, the dog was captured and taken to a shelter. If no one adopts it, the dog will face permanent confinement.
This case underscores the importance of responsible pet ownership and the need for education on how to safely interact with animals. It also raises concerns about the welfare of animals in shelters and the challenges of rehoming aggressive breeds.
December 2, 2021: Boy Killed by Neighbor's Pit Bull
On December 2, 2021, a tragic incident occurred in Chunri Township, Pingtung County, Taiwan. A young boy wandered into a neighbor's yard and was fatally bitten by a pit bull named "Thor". Despite the severity of the incident, animal welfare groups have come forward to plead for mercy, hoping that Thor will not be euthanized.
Thor, the pit bull, had been recently introduced to its new home before the ban on keeping such breeds took effect. The incident has sparked a debate about animal welfare and responsibility.
December 4, 2021: Abandoned Pit Bull Kills 3 Local Dogs
On December 4, 2021, a disturbing incident occurred in Chiayi County, Taiwan, where three stray dogs were fatally attacked by an abandoned pit bull. The Livestock Disease Control Center in Chiayi County received reports of the incident, prompting authorities to set up traps to capture the aggressive dog.
Incident Details
The incident highlights the growing concern over abandoned and aggressive dogs in Taiwan. Pit bulls, in particular, have been at the center of safety debates due to their involvement in several attacks. In recent years, Taiwan has seen a rise in dog-related incidents, leading to increased scrutiny of dog ownership and animal control measures.
Response and Concerns
Following the attack, local authorities took immediate action to ensure public safety by setting up traps to capture the pit bull. This response underscores the need for effective animal control strategies to prevent such incidents in the future. The incident also raises questions about the responsibility of dog owners and the need for stricter regulations on owning breeds known for aggression.
Broader Context
This incident is part of a larger issue involving stray dogs and aggressive breeds in Taiwan. The country has implemented measures to address these concerns, including bans on importing certain breeds and promoting responsible pet ownership. However, challenges persist, particularly in rural areas where dog ownership practices may be less regulated.
The tragic event in Chiayi County serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible pet ownership and effective animal control policies. It emphasizes the need for continued efforts to educate the public about the risks associated with certain breeds and the importance of proper animal care.
January 22, 2022: Pet Pit Bull Breaks Free and Kills Another Dog
On January 22, 2022, a disturbing incident occurred in Budai Township, Chiayi County, Taiwan. A pet pit bull owned by a local town councilor broke loose and fatally attacked a stray dog that was being cared for by an animal lover.
The Chiayi County Animal Disease Control Center received a report about the incident, highlighting concerns over pet safety and responsibility in the community.
This event underscores the importance of proper pet restraint and the potential consequences of negligence. It also raises awareness about animal welfare and the need for stricter regulations to prevent such incidents in the future.
March 6, 2025: Pit Bull Opens Car Window and Bites Rider
Incident Overview
On March 6, 2025, a motorcyclist, surnamed Huang, was bitten by a pit bull while stopped at a red light on Wanmei Street Section 2 in Taipei's Wenshan District. The dog, which was in the back seat of an SUV, suddenly jumped out of the window and attacked Huang's leg, causing him to lose control of his motorcycle.
Incident Details
The owner of the pit bull, a man surnamed Hsu, claimed that the dog accidentally opened the window with its paw, leading to the unexpected attack. This incident highlighted concerns about pet safety and responsibility in public spaces.
Follow-Up Attacks
This was not an isolated incident. Just 11 days later, on March 17, the same dog attacked another motorcyclist in Daan District, sparking widespread concern and prompting authorities to take action. The dog was eventually confiscated by authorities due to Hsu's inability to properly control it.
Legal Consequences
Hsu faced significant fines for violating the Animal Protection Act. The Taipei City Animal Protection Office issued fines totaling NT$200,000 for the two attacks. The dog, named "Lucky", was placed in a care facility for evaluation and potential adoption or euthanasia if deemed unsuitable.
March 17, 2025: Pitbull Escapes Through Car Window Twice, Attacks Rider
On March 17, 2025, a disturbing incident occurred in Taipei's Daan District when a pit bull jumped out of a moving vehicle and attacked a nearby rider. The dog, owned by a man surnamed Hsu, managed to open the car window and leap out while Hsu was stopped at a red light.
The pit bull clamped down on the rider's leg, causing severe lacerations above the right knee. Hsu intervened by striking the dog on the head and, with the help of bystanders, managed to pry the dog away from the victim. The rider was subsequently hospitalized for treatment.
This was not the first time the dog had been involved in such an incident. Just 11 days earlier, on March 6, the same pit bull had attacked another rider in Wenshan District under similar circumstances.
Hsu claimed that the dog had opened the window by itself before jumping out and attacking the rider. Authorities have confiscated the dog and are investigating the incidents. Hsu could face fines ranging from NT$90,000 to NT$150,000 for failing to properly control his pet.
Pit Bull Regulations in Taiwan
According to the Council of Agriculture in Taiwan, American Pit Bull Terriers and American Staffordshire Terriers have been listed as breeds prohibited from ownership or importation. This ban was implemented on March 1, 2022. Generally, citizens are not allowed to keep Pit Bulls, but those who already owned them before the ban must register their pets by February 28, 2023, to continue keeping them.
Pit Bulls are also classified as "aggressive pets" by the Council of Agriculture. When taken out in public, they must be accompanied by an adult, leashed with a strap no longer than 1.5 meters, and muzzled at all times.
Background
The decision to ban Pit Bulls was made following a series of incidents involving attacks by these dogs. The ban aims to reduce the risk of such incidents in the future. However, critics argue that the ban has led to an increase in abandonment, as owners are reluctant to comply with the strict regulations.
Regulations for Other Aggressive Breeds
In addition to Pit Bulls, Taiwan lists five other breeds as "dangerous": Japanese Tosa, Neapolitan Mastiff, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, and Mastiff. Owners of these breeds must also follow specific guidelines when taking their dogs out in public, including muzzling and leashing them.
Impact on Shelters
The ban has put a strain on animal shelters, as many Pit Bulls are being abandoned. These dogs often require separate housing due to their reputation and are less likely to be adopted.
