Recent incidents in Taipei involving pit bulls jumping out of vehicles and attacking people have ignited a heated debate in Taiwan regarding dangerous dog breeds. These incidents have prompted discussions about regulations, responsible pet ownership, and public safety.
Government Response and Regulations
In response to rising concerns, the Agriculture Department previously amended regulations to classify certain breeds as dangerous. These breeds include the Mastiff, Japanese Tosa, Neapolitan Mastiff, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, and pit bull terriers.
- These regulations require owners to muzzle and leash these dogs with a lead no longer than 1.5 meters in public places.
- Pit bulls, due to their aggressive nature, are banned from being bred or imported into Taiwan. However, pit bulls owned before the law may be kept if properly registered.
Expert Opinions
Tsai Ching-jung, the principal of a dog training school in Chiayi and a licensed trainer, noted that pit bulls were originally introduced as fighting dogs. He also mentioned other breeds that require attention but are not banned, such as the American Bully, Mastiff, Belgian Shepherd, and Shiba Inu. Tsai suggests that dogs with tails that point upwards tend to be more aggressive, while those with tails that droop are gentler. He recommends early socialization for breeds like American Bullies, Mastiff, Belgian Shepherds, and Shiba Inus to reduce their wildness.
Public Discussion and Concerns
The discussion around banning specific breeds has drawn mixed reactions from the public. Some argue for stricter laws and holding owners accountable for their dogs' actions, suggesting that the government should legislate that dog owners bear responsibility if their dogs injure someone. Others caution against breed-specific legislation, fearing it may lead to abandonment and argue that a dog's breed is not inherently flawed, and that such measures could be misguided. Some believe that dogs are being unfairly judged based on their appearance.
Alternative Solutions
To prevent dog bites, Tsai suggests establishing more pet parks of varying sizes to allow owners to exercise their pets. He also advises sending puppies with biting issues to training schools at a young age.
Recent Incident in Taipei
In a recent incident, a pit bull jumped out of a pickup truck and attacked a scooter rider in Taipei. The owner, surnamed Hsu, faces fines for violating the Animal Protection Act, which requires aggressive pets to be accompanied by adults and to have appropriate protective measures in public. Hsu was fined NT$200,000, and the dog was confiscated.
Training Dogs: The Golden Period
Tsai Ching-jung, a seasoned dog trainer, recently shared his personal experience of being bitten by a Belgian Shepherd. He emphasized that the period between five to six months after a dog's birth is the "golden training period". Tsai noted that any large breed dog should be enrolled in dog training school with certified trainers to ensure proper training. Missing this critical period or failing to provide solid training can make it difficult to correct behaviors later on.
Tsai recounted an incident eight years ago when he was attacked by a one-year-old Belgian Shepherd. During the training session, he had to muzzle the dog, and his injuries were exacerbated by the dog's scratches and bites. "If I hadn't muzzled the dog, I wouldn't have survived with my life intact," he said. In another instance, Tsai trained eight dogs, three of which bit him, requiring him to receive seven stitches in the emergency room. Since then, he has refused to take in dogs that are too old or prone to biting, deeming it too dangerous.
A German Shepherd, for example, was brought to him five months late for training. The dog was incredibly energetic and required significant effort to stabilize. Fortunately, after thirty days of training, the results were satisfactory. Tsai, now in his sixties, has dedicated most of his life to dog training, starting at the age of eighteen and obtaining his dog training certification at twenty-five. He has trained over two hundred dogs and even served as an instructor for the Chiayi County Police Dog Unit.
Tsai also founded a dog troupe that performs acrobatic shows, often featuring rescued or abused stray dogs. Each dog has a heartwarming story of how they bonded with Tsai. His performances have been well-received, with invitations to appear on television shows.
