Man Arrested in Taitung for Killing Cat and Dog with Crossbow

(CNA, by reporter Lu Tai-cheng, Taitung County, June 10) A cat and a dog were shot and killed with a crossbow arrow in Jialan Village, Jinfeng Township, Taitung County, which penetrated their stomachs. Police arrested the suspect, a man surnamed Hsieh, this afternoon. Hsieh stated that cats and dogs frequently entered his home to forage, causing disruptions to his life, and he shot them thinking they were strays.

In the Jialan tribal village of Jinfeng Township, Taitung County, a yellow dog and a tabby cat were found brutally killed with arrows shot through their stomachs, sparking discussions among villagers about "who could be so cruel."

The Dawu Precinct of the Taitung County Police Bureau reviewed surveillance footage and interviewed villagers after the incident, announcing the case was solved in the evening and recovering the crossbow used in the crime from a nearby thicket.

According to the Dawu Precinct, police identified the 30-year-old suspect, Hsieh, around 4 PM today and found the crossbow in a nearby bush. Hsieh confessed that the cat and dog had long been entering his home to forage, rummage through trash, and even steal food, making the house messy and affecting his quality of life. He then borrowed a crossbow from a friend to shoot and scare them away.

Initial police investigation revealed that Hsieh is a local villager. He originally thought the invading cat and dog were strays. It was only after the owner of the pets posted photos online, drawing public attention, that he learned the animals he killed were owned by a neighbor.

After questioning, the police referred the case for prosecution for violating the Controlling Guns, Ammunition and Knives Act, and notified the Animal Disease Control Center to impose penalties according to the law.

The incident fermented online, attracting the attention of Democratic Progressive Party Legislator Chen Ying. She posted on Facebook that as the incident spread online, some discussions began to point fingers at the traditional hunting culture of indigenous peoples, even labeling Jialan Village, leading to many over-extended and generalized statements.

She said she wanted to remind everyone that pursuing an individual's illegal actions is completely different from stigmatizing an entire ethnic group or an entire village.

Traditional hunting has its cultural context, ethical norms, and social responsibilities, and it cannot be over-generalized due to individual incidents, nor should one person's mistake become an accusation against an entire ethnic group or region. The residents of Jialan Village and many indigenous people are equally shocked and saddened by this incident.

She said that protecting animals and opposing cruelty are shared social values; respecting culture and avoiding ethnic stigmatization are equally important. She hopes everyone will focus on uncovering the truth, holding those responsible accountable, and preventing such tragedies from happening again, rather than letting hatred and prejudice continue to spread. She hopes that no more animals will be abused. (Editor: Li Heng-shan) 20260610