Tainan Residence Reported for Dog Slaughter; Initial Investigation Finds No Evidence, Samples Sent for Testing

(CNA reporter Yang Sirui Tainan, July 8) The Tainan City Animal Protection and Health Inspection Office recently received a report alleging that a rented residence in Annan District, occupied by foreign migrant workers, was involved in dog slaughter. An inspection found no clear evidence, but suspicious food samples were collected for testing. The dogs found outside the residence appeared to be poorly managed and were all taken in for care.

Hong Zhenkai, deputy director of the Tainan City Animal Protection and Health Inspection Office, told CNA that upon receiving the report on the 5th, the office immediately conducted an inspection. The site was the residence of six Filipino migrant workers. No concrete evidence of dog slaughter or consumption was found. The food items discovered were mainly fish and chicken. However, two suspicious samples were collected on-site. Preliminary analysis indicated they were not canine tissue, but they have been sent to a professional agency for testing and identification.

Hong Zhenkai stated that dedicated personnel have been assigned to continue gathering evidence and investigating this case. If subsequent test results confirm the involvement of canine tissue or illegal dog slaughter, action will be taken in accordance with the Animal Protection Act. The owner could face a fine of up to NT$250,000, and the perpetrator of the dog slaughter will be directly transferred to the judicial authorities for prosecution, facing a maximum sentence of two years imprisonment or detention, and a fine of up to NT$2 million.

Hong Zhenkai added that during the inspection, a total of seven dogs were found outside the residence. Six of them appeared to be poorly managed by their owner, who was notified to appear for explanation within a specified period. Following continuous inspections by staff, all seven dogs were taken in for care yesterday. Three of the puppies exhibited hind limb weakness. X-ray examinations confirmed no fractures. Preliminary judgment suggests nerve damage caused by viral infection leading to hind limb paralysis. Treatment and observation will continue.

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