In recent years, Taiwan has faced several incidents involving pit bulls, raising concerns about animal control and public safety. Here's a summary of some key events:
A pit bull named "Lucky" made headlines in Taipei after it jumped out of its owner's truck window and bit a motorcyclist for the second time this month. The first incident occurred on March 6, and the second on March 17, both at red lights. The dog's owner, surnamed Hsu, claimed that the dog opened the automatic window by itself. Authorities fined Hsu NT$200,000 and seized the dog due to his inability to control it.
In 2021, a pit bull named "Jian Shi" in Hsinchu County was involved in a fatal incident where it bit a friend of its owner to death. The dog was confiscated and kept in a dangerous animal enclosure. However, after professional training, Jian Shi learned to wear a muzzle and go for walks. It is now being fostered by a private dog park in Pingtung County, where it is reported to be doing well.
In December 2021, a three-year-old boy was tragically killed by an American pit bull terrier in Pingtung County. The incident highlighted the need for stricter regulations on aggressive breeds in Taiwan.
Taiwan has implemented regulations to manage aggressive dog breeds. For instance, the importation of pit bulls was banned starting from March 2021, and existing owners must follow special guidelines to avoid fines and confiscation.
These incidents underscore the importance of responsible pet ownership and effective animal control measures in Taiwan. As authorities continue to address these issues, the public remains vigilant about the risks associated with certain breeds.
In December 2021, a tragic incident occurred in Chunri Township, Pingtung County, Taiwan. A three-year-old boy wandered into a neighbor's yard where a pit bull, named Thor, was chained near the wall. The boy was suddenly attacked by the dog, which bit him severely on the abdomen. Despite being rushed to the hospital, the boy was pronounced dead.
The owner of the pit bull had planned to use the dog for guarding a fruit orchard, but the tragedy unfolded first. The owner faced penalties under the Animal Protection Act for failing to microchip and neuter the dog. The case was also referred to the authorities for negligent homicide.
Following the incident, Thor was taken in by the Pingtung County Public Animal Shelter. However, in a surprising turn of events, Thor was successfully rehomed. The Taiwanese Dog Lovers Association, led by Chairperson Yen Hsing-chuan, played a crucial role in finding Thor a new home. Yen noted that upon first meeting Thor, she found him to be surprisingly affectionate and stable in temperament, even more so than some mixed-breed dogs.
After being rehomed, Thor moved to Taipei and began a new life. The adopters regularly update the association on Thor's status. Interestingly, Thor no longer resembles a typical pit bull; instead, he looks more like a Labrador Retriever. This transformation highlights the potential for dogs to change and thrive in new environments.
