In a recent incident in Taichung, a pet owner was fined NT$15,000 (approximately US$457) for abandoning a dog during a drive. The case drew public attention after a video of the incident went viral, showing a black dog being thrown out of a moving car. The dog attempted to chase after the vehicle but was left behind.
Investigation Details
The Taichung City Animal Protection Office launched an investigation following the report. Initially, when officials visited the owner's residence, they were presented with a different dog for inspection. However, after reviewing surveillance footage provided by the public, it became clear that the dog shown in the video was not the same one presented during the first visit. The owner later admitted to the discrepancy.
Legal Proceedings
The animal protection office suspected the owner of providing false information to officials, which could lead to charges of making false statements to public servants. The case was referred to the Taichung District Prosecutors Office for further investigation.
Animal Welfare
The dog involved in the incident was later confirmed to be the same one from the video. It had been properly registered, neutered, and vaccinated against rabies. The animal was found to be in good health and physical condition. Despite this, the owner's actions were deemed a violation of Article 20, Paragraph 1 of the Animal Protection Act, which could result in a maximum fine of NT$15,000.
Public Reaction
The video sparked widespread outrage online, with many criticizing the owner's heartlessness. Taichung City Councilor Jiang Zhaoguo expressed sympathy for the dog after watching the footage.
Conclusion
This incident highlights the ongoing issue of pet abandonment in Taiwan and the importance of enforcing animal protection laws. The Taichung City Animal Protection Office continues to work on addressing such cases, ensuring that pet owners are held accountable for their actions.
