Dog Jumps from Truck Window and Bites Rider for the Second Time in 11 Days
Taipei police and animal welfare authorities have launched an investigation after a pit bull named “Lucky” jumped out of a moving pickup truck and bit a motorcyclist for the second time in just 11 days. The incident has raised concerns about public safety and responsible pet ownership, particularly regarding aggressive dog breeds in urban areas.
Details of the Latest Attack
According to the Taipei City Police Department, the latest incident occurred around 8:40 a.m. on Monday in Taipei’s Daan District, on Wolong Street, Lane 188. The pit bull was riding in a pickup truck with its owner, a 60-year-old man surnamed Hsu (徐), when it leaped out of the rear passenger-side window and attacked a motorcyclist who had stopped at a red light.
The victim, who remains unidentified, sustained lacerations above his right knee before Hsu managed to pull the dog away. The injured man later sought medical treatment at a hospital.
Hsu told the police that the dog had somehow rolled down the automatic window by itself, leading to the unexpected escape and attack.
Not the First Attack
Shockingly, this was not the first time Lucky had attacked someone under similar circumstances. Just 11 days earlier, in Wenshan District’s Wanmei Street, the same dog jumped out of Hsu’s truck window and bit another motorcyclist at a red light.
The Taipei City Animal Protection Office had already been handling the previous case when news of the second attack emerged. Hua Hsin-huei (華心惠), an official at the office, confirmed that they were still waiting to take a statement from the first victim when the second attack took place.
Possible Legal Consequences for the Owner
Under Taiwan’s Animal Protection Act, Hsu could face fines ranging from NT$30,000 (US$909) to NT$90,000 for the first attack, and an increased penalty of NT$90,000 to NT$150,000 for the second offense.
Furthermore, if Hsu fails to implement effective control measures, authorities have the right to seize and impound the dog to prevent further incidents.
After the first attack, Hsu had promised officials that he would keep the dog leashed and muzzled while outdoors, which evidently was not enough to prevent the latest incident.
Animal Protection Authorities Consider Seizing the Dog
Authorities are now considering whether Lucky should be taken away from its owner. The Animal Protection Office will meet with Hsu to discuss whether he can provide a safe environment for the dog and the public.
“If Hsu cannot come up with a responsible plan to properly restrain and control the animal, we will have no choice but to impound the dog for public safety reasons,” said Hua Hsin-huei.
The case has sparked public debate about responsible pet ownership, especially concerning powerful and potentially aggressive dog breeds like pit bulls.
FAQs
What happened in the Taipei pit bull attack case?
A pit bull named Lucky jumped out of a pickup truck window and bit a motorcyclist in Taipei’s Daan District. This was the second such attack by the same dog in just 11 days.
Where and when did the latest attack occur?
The most recent attack happened on March 18, 2024, around 8:40 a.m., at Wolong Street, Lane 188, in Daan District, Taipei.
Who owns the dog?
The dog is owned by a 60-year-old man surnamed Hsu (徐), who was driving the pickup truck when the attack occurred.
Was this the first time the dog attacked someone?
No, just 11 days earlier, on March 7, 2024, the same dog jumped out of Hsu’s truck window and bit another motorcyclist in Wenshan District.
What is the public reaction?
The case has sparked debate on responsible pet ownership, particularly about powerful dog breeds like pit bulls in urban environments.
