A horrifying incident occurred in Neipu Township, Pingtung County, Taiwan, where a pit bull viciously attacked and killed a Shiba Inu on the street. The Shiba Inu, named "Bao-ge", was owned by a local proprietor who took the dog out for a walk when the unleashed pit bull suddenly attacked. The pit bull bit and held onto Bao-ge for about 10 minutes despite efforts by neighbors to intervene using sticks and iron rods, but they failed to pry the pit bull's jaws open. Bao-ge suffered severe injuries and was rushed to the hospital but sadly died due to pneumothorax in the early hours of April 15th.
Background of the Victim and Incident Details
Bao-ge was a beloved Shiba Inu owned by a family running a well-known taro rice cake shop in Pingtung. The dog was considered the shop's mascot and was well recognized by customers. On the afternoon of April 14th, around 5 PM, the owner was walking Bao-ge in Neipu Township when the pit bull, which was not on a leash, suddenly charged and attacked Bao-ge. Despite neighbors' attempts to separate the dogs using brooms and iron bars, the pit bull refused to release its grip. Witnesses recalled that Bao-ge was bitten until nearly lifeless before finally being rescued. The owner expressed deep sorrow and anger, also worrying about the safety of children in the area who often walk nearby.
Aftermath and Owner's Response
Bao-ge was taken to a nearby veterinary hospital and later transferred to a larger facility in Kaohsiung due to the severity of the injuries. Despite emergency treatment including morphine administration, Bao-ge's condition did not improve, and the dog passed away at around 1 AM on April 15th. The owner cremated Bao-ge's remains the following day and wrote a heartfelt letter expressing gratitude for the joyful times Bao-ge brought to the family and a wish for Bao-ge to rest peacefully in heaven. The letter also included a poignant reminder to other dog owners to run away if attacked and not to wag their tails foolishly, which moved many readers to tears.
Controversy and Investigation Surrounding the Pit Bull Owner
The pit bull's owner, surnamed Lai, has sparked controversy by threatening to sue the citizens who intervened during the attack and by claiming that the pit bull was also beaten to death by the crowd. Lai's statements about the fate of the pit bull's body have been inconsistent—initially saying the dog was disposed of in water, then buried, and finally cremated. The Pingtung County Agriculture Department's Animal Protection Division has confirmed the dog was a pit bull, a breed classified as dangerous and subject to registration and control, but Lai had not registered the dog as required by law. The department has imposed fines ranging from NT$50,000 to NT$250,000 for illegal ownership and additional fines for negligence in managing an aggressive animal.
Four Major Doubts Raised by Bao-ge's Owner
- The pit bull owner works in construction and after the attack, the pit bull escaped but was brought back by a motorcyclist. The dog then jumped into the back of a construction vehicle and was taken away by an employee, suggesting possible concealment.
- The owner claimed the dog died en route to the hospital, but the Animal Protection Division's inspection found no body or proof, leading to discrepancies in the owner's statements.
- The owner stated the pit bull was found abandoned on the street five years ago, did not know its breed, and was unaware of registration requirements.
- Neighbors revealed that in December 2018, when the Shiba Inu arrived at the owner's home, the pit bull owner had two pit bulls and a litter kept in a garage. Due to complaints, the authorities intervened, and those dogs were removed. The current pit bull involved in the attack appeared later, raising suspicions of illegal breeding and trading.
Legal and Community Implications
The local government has urged all pit bull owners to register their dogs and manage them responsibly to prevent future incidents. The case has drawn attention to the dangers of unregistered and unleashed aggressive dogs in residential areas. Bao-ge's owner has been advised to pursue criminal investigation through prosecutors and police for justice. Meanwhile, the Agriculture Department continues its administrative investigation into the pit bull owner's violations under the Animal Protection Act.
