On March 6, a pit bull suddenly jumped out of a car window and bit a motorcyclist in Taipei's Wenshan District. The same dog caused trouble again today when it escaped from the car window and attacked another rider, causing injuries.
A man surnamed Hsu was driving through Wenshan District on March 6 when his pit bull suddenly leaped out of the car window and bit a nearby motorcyclist surnamed Huang. After the incident, Hsu immediately got out of the car to handle the situation and reported it to the police.
However, the pit bull struck again today. At around 8 am, Hsu was driving with the dog when he stopped at a red light. The pit bull once again opened the car window and jumped out, chasing and biting a nearby rider. The rider suffered severe lacerations above the right knee and was taken to the hospital for treatment. Hsu intervened to stop the attack.
According to Hsu, the dog managed to open the car window by itself before jumping out. The police are reviewing surveillance footage to clarify the circumstances of the incident. The Taipei City Animal Protection Office is also involved in handling the case.
This morning, Mr. Hsu took his dog out again, and in Taipei's Daan District on Wolong Street, the dog once more opened the window and jumped out to attack someone. The owner, Mr. Hsu, has recently been involved in two incidents where his pit bull jumped out of the car and bit people.
Although the two victims have not pressed charges, the incidents have drawn significant public attention. The Animal Protection Office will handle the case according to the law, and Mr. Hsu mentioned in an interview with SET News that if no animal welfare organization is willing to take the dog, he does not rule out the possibility of euthanizing it.
Police investigations revealed that on March 6, Mr. Hsu, aged 60, was driving with his dog in Taipei's Wenshan District on Wanmei Street when the dog accidentally triggered the window button, jumped out, and bit someone.
This morning, Mr. Hsu took his dog out again, and in Taipei's Daan District on Wolong Street, the dog repeated the same behavior. Both incidents resulted in injuries, but the victims have chosen not to file lawsuits. The police have intervened and reported the incidents to the Animal Protection Office, which will impose fines as necessary and may impound the dog.
SET News reported that Mr. Hsu's dog, named Lucky, has been with him for over ten years. Previously, Lucky was involved in an attack during training at a pet school, where it accidentally injured a trainer after being attacked by other dogs. The trainer did not blame Lucky. Mr. Hsu attempted to rehome Lucky but was unable to find an animal welfare organization willing to take the dog.
Since pit bulls are known to be loyal and may become aggressive after biting someone, Mr. Hsu is deeply troubled. After the recent attacks, his neighbors even posted messages in the community group saying, "The killing weapon is back." Mr. Hsu emphasized that he understands his social responsibility and will not let his dog roam freely biting people. If no organization is willing to take Lucky, despite his reluctance, he does not rule out euthanizing the dog.
Initially, the Taipei Animal Protection Office fined the owner NT$14,000 for the two incidents and confiscated the dog. However, the Taipei Department of Economic Development later reviewed the case and increased the fines to NT$50,000 for the first attack and NT$150,000 for the second, totaling NT$200,000. The confiscation of the dog was upheld.
The Taipei Animal Protection Office is now seeking a new owner for Lucky, who is being kept alone to minimize stress. The office is looking for someone with experience handling pit bulls.
The incident highlights the importance of responsible pet ownership, especially for breeds considered aggressive. The Council of Agriculture lists pit bulls among dangerous breeds, requiring special precautions when in public.
The owner of the pitbull named Lucky, surnamed Hsu, has faced online scrutiny. Hsu Shulei, the son of the owner and the operating director of the Plain Language Law Movement, issued a five-point apology statement late at night.
In addition to expressing concern for the injured individuals, he revealed that he and his family members, except for his father, were unable to approach the dog due to its aggressive nature. Hsu Shulei had repeatedly advised his father to properly manage the dog and comply with relevant regulations.
Apology Statement from Owner
- Concern for the Injured: Hsu Shulei expressed sincere concern for the individuals injured in the incident. He also humbly accepted public criticism and guidance regarding public safety and animal management.
- Background on Lucky: Lucky was adopted by Hsu Shulei's father after Hsu Shulei moved out of the family home. Hsu Shulei emphasized that he is not the owner of the dog. Due to Lucky's aggressive personality, Hsu Shulei and other family members found it difficult to approach the dog. He had advised his father multiple times to manage the dog properly and learn how to care for it.
- Incident Details: Hsu Shulei was not in the vehicle when the incident occurred; his father was driving alone. However, as the vehicle owner, Hsu Shulei reflected on his failure to ensure that his father properly managed the dog inside the vehicle, which led to the unfortunate event.
- Current Developments: Since Hsu Shulei no longer lives with his father, he learned about the incident through news reports. He understands that his father is currently negotiating compensation with the two victims and will face penalties from the Taipei City Government Animal Protection Office, including the confiscation of the dog.
- Response to Allegations: There were reports suggesting that Hsu Shulei's father might have used his connections with a legislator to influence the case. However, the Taipei City Government Animal Protection Office has denied these allegations. Hsu Shulei strongly condemned any attempts to interfere with administrative or judicial procedures through political influence.
Hsu Shulei apologized for the social unrest caused by the incident.