Hsinchu County: The owner of a pit bull may be fined up to NT$225,000 (US$6,901) following an incident in which the animal fatally attacked a pet dog in Hsinchu County. The attack occurred two months ago, as reported by the local animal protection and health inspection office.

According to Focus Taiwan, the tragic event took place on September 30 in Baoshan Township when the unaccompanied pit bull wandered into a residential community and attacked a local resident’s pet dog. The office promptly dispatched workers to capture the pit bull after the attack.

The office highlighted that the owner’s negligence in failing to leash the pit bull was a significant factor in the deadly incident. Under the Animal Protection Act, such negligence could result in a fine ranging from NT$45,000 to NT$225,000. The office has directed the owner to implement preventive measures to avoid future incidents.

In the event of a similar occurrence, which could threaten others’ freedom of movement or property, authorities may conside
r placing the pit bull in a shelter for public safety. This measure aims to prevent further risks associated with the animal.

This incident is not isolated; three years prior, an intoxicated man was severely bitten and ultimately died from blood loss after antagonizing a friend’s pit bull in the same county. This event has contributed to increased fear of the pit bull breed across Taiwan.