In a bizarre incident that sparked outrage and concern across Taiwan, a man in his 70s was arrested in Hualien’s Ji’an Township after allegedly using an air rifle to shoot and kill two of his neighbor’s pet pigeons — with the intention of eating them. The case, now being handled by the Hualien District Prosecutors Office, has triggered discussions about animal rights, public safety, and urban hunting behavior in residential zones.
The Incident: Surveillance Footage Reveals Startling Truth
The unusual case began when 70-year-old Lo (羅), a longtime pigeon hobbyist, noticed two of his birds had gone missing after their usual free-flight time between feedings. Upon reviewing surveillance footage from his property, Lo saw another elderly man on a motorcycle — later identified as his neighbor Lin (林) — firing what appeared to be an air gun in the direction of his pigeons, perched on a nearby telephone pole.
Lin, according to police, admitted during questioning that he had no personal grudge against Lo. Rather, he said he viewed the pigeons as a potential meal. “I shot them to eat them,” Lin reportedly told investigators. However, the birds fell into Lo’s yard after being shot, making it impossible for him to retrieve them.
Public Safety and Legal Boundaries
While air rifles are not considered firearms under Taiwanese law — provided the muzzle energy is under legal limits (which Lin’s rifle was) — discharging any weapon in a populated residential area poses a public safety risk. The fact that Lin shot in the direction of his neighbor’s property elevated the matter from a case of mere property damage to one of public endangerment.
The Hualien Police confirmed that Lin’s behavior caused “fear for personal safety” among Lo and his neighbors, justifying the referral of Lin’s case to the Hualien District Prosecutors Office under charges of public endangerment and property damage.
Pigeon-Keeping in Taiwan: A Growing Hobby Meets an Unexpected Threat
Pigeon-keeping is a long-standing hobby in Taiwan, especially among older residents. Pigeons are raised for companionship, racing, and sometimes ceremonial purposes. Many hobbyists, like Lo, raise their birds with great care, often spending years building bonds with individual animals.
To such pigeon owners, their birds are not just livestock or strays — they are beloved pets. The emotional and financial investment can be significant. As such, this incident has highlighted the lack of legal protections for domesticated birds under Taiwan’s existing animal protection laws.
Cultural and Ethical Questions
While the shooting itself may be interpreted as an isolated act by one individual, it raises broader cultural and ethical questions. The notion of catching and eating urban animals — even when done “within legal weapon limits” — clashes with Taiwan’s evolving stance on animal rights.
Additionally, the act touches upon deeper themes of urban loneliness, survival habits from older generations, and the cultural gaps between traditional subsistence mentalities and modern urban living. Lin’s comments suggest that he saw no ethical issue in capturing what he considered a free-range animal for food, a view that may still resonate in Taiwan’s rural areas but is jarring in modern city environments.
🔍 FAQs
Was the man’s air rifle legal?
Yes, police confirmed that the air rifle’s muzzle energy was within Taiwan’s legal limit, making it technically legal to own.
Why was he arrested if the gun was legal?
Even though the gun was legal, firing it in the direction of someone’s home constituted a public safety threat, leading to charges of public endangerment and property damage.
Are pet pigeons protected under Taiwan’s animal laws?
Taiwan’s animal protection laws primarily cover mammals and certain reptiles. Pet birds receive some protection, but enforcement and recognition can be inconsistent, especially in residential conflicts.
Could the shooter face jail time?
If convicted of public endangerment, Lin could face fines or even imprisonment under Taiwanese law, depending on the judge’s assessment of intent and risk caused.
Is it legal to eat pigeons in Taiwan?
While not common, eating pigeons is not illegal per se. However, killing another person’s pet — even if done unintentionally — is considered property damage and may carry legal consequences.
