Taipei: The Taipei City government has imposed a fine of NT$200,000 (US$6,061) and confiscated a pit bull that attacked two motorcyclists this month. The pit bull, which jumped out of its owner's truck window, bit the motorcyclists while they were stopped at red lights on two separate occasions.
According to Focus Taiwan, the Taipei City Animal Protection Office began investigating the dog's owner, identified only by the surname Hsu, after the first attack, which occurred on March 6. The office became aware of a second attack on Monday morning. Due to Hsu's inability to control the dog, fines totaling NT$140,000 were initially issued, and the pit bull was seized. However, the Taipei Department of Economic Development reviewed the decision and increased the fines to a total of NT$200,000 to reflect NT$50,000 and NT$150,000 for the two separate incidents.
The NT$150,000 fine is the maximum penalty under Article 20, Clause 2 of the Animal Protection Act, which penalizes allowing an aggressive pet to roam public areas unsupervised. Hua Hsin-huei, an official at the Taipei City Animal Protection Office, stated that the dog was confiscated after a meeting with Hsu at his home. Hsu, who had owned the dog named "Lucky" for over ten years, admitted his inability to control it.
According to Hua, Lucky will be transferred to a care facility for evaluation. Specialists will determine if the dog's behavior can be modified for potential adoption. If not, the dog may face euthanasia. As of Tuesday morning, the victims had not pursued legal action against Hsu. The first victim, identified by the surname Huang, is undergoing medical procedures in Kaohsiung. The second victim has not been named.
Additionally, Hsu Shu-lei, associated with the Plain Law Movement website and identified as Hsu's son, issued an apology for the incidents. He mentioned that even family members had avoided the dog due to its temperament. Talks are underway to compensate the victims.