Animal attacks recently occurred in Taipei City, where — in two separate incidents — the same pit bull terrier jumped out of a truck window and bit motorcyclists stopped at a red light. Both happened within a couple of weeks, subjecting the two attacked to physical and psychological trauma.
The Taipei City Animal Protection Office confiscated the pit bull from its owner and specialists are evaluating the dog to determine whether it is suitable for adoption. However, it is worth questioning whether investing substantial resources in rehabilitating a breed known for aggression and attacks on humans is a responsible or effective use of public funds.
The breeding and ownership of pit bulls have long been banned in the UK, Australia and France. Many EU countries have also implemented strict restrictions on them. In the US, dogs that attack people are typically seized and sent to shelters, where most are humanely euthanized, rather than committing extensive resources to behavioral correction.
That is because animal shelters have limited resources, and prioritize caring for dogs that are likely to get adopted over those with severe behavioral issues that are difficult to correct. After all, it is impossible for a shelter to provide the necessary behavioral training needed for every dog to meet adoption requirements.
So why give special treatment to that pit bull? Is it due to misguided public pressure disguised as animal protection, or an attempt by the authorities to shirk their responsibilities? Even under a “no-kill” policy, the government should consider long-term sheltering for dangerous animals, rather than readoption.
While animal protection is important, we must also prioritize the safety of humans. The spirit of the Animal Protection Act (動物保護法) should not be interpreted as offering unconditional protection of animals while disregarding the rights and interests of humans. In Taiwan, although pit bulls are classified as “designated pets” and are subject to management and breeding regulations, they remain legal to own. In contrast, many countries completely ban pit bull ownership and breeding, citing public safety risks and the breed’s potential for unpredictable aggression.
A dog’s behavior is often a reflection of its owner’s actions and responsibilities. However, when an animal exhibits aggressive or dangerous behavior, we should seriously consider whether its welfare should be placed above the overall safety of the public.
Johnson Chiang is a former president of the World Veterinary Association.
Translated by Kyra Gustavsen
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