Dog Restaurant Owner Accused of Cruelty; Apology Met with Skepticism

A recent exposé has rocked the popular "Hunter Dog Doesn't Hunt" restaurant in Miaoli, Taiwan, with allegations of long-term animal mistreatment surfacing. Videos circulating online depict actions by the owner that many find deeply disturbing, sparking outrage among netizens and animal welfare advocates.

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The owner's explanation that he was trying to break up dog fights and that the actions were meant to deter them, not injure them, is not acceptable. Many netizens pointed out that the videos clearly show the owner hitting the dogs with a chair, kicking them, and roughly throwing them.

The owner, identified as Mr. Chen, issued an apology, attributing his harsh methods to intervening in dog fights. He claimed the aggressive actions were merely deterrents and that the dogs were not injured. However, this explanation has been met with widespread skepticism, with many online commenters accusing him of making excuses and continuing to defend unacceptable behavior.

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The owner's actions, including hitting the dogs with a chair, slapping their ears, kicking them, and roughly throwing them, are clearly forms of abuse.

The Miaoli County Animal Protection and防疫所 has taken action, imposing a maximum fine of NT$75,000 based on evidence of dragging, whipping with leashes, throwing chairs, and kicking dogs between 2023 and 2025. While veterinarians assessed the dogs as outwardly healthy with no acute injuries, the documented behaviors clearly exceeded reasonable disciplinary measures.

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The owner claimed that the videos were taken years ago during fights and that his wife provided them to social workers to gain custody of their daughter. He insists his dogs are well cared for and that the animal protection department found no injuries.

From our perspective at Liberty Times, this incident highlights a critical tension between passionate animal ownership and the legal and ethical responsibilities that come with it, especially in a business setting. While the owner insists his intentions were to manage canine disputes, the visual evidence and the subsequent fine underscore that such methods are not only inappropriate but illegal. The public outcry demonstrates a strong societal demand for accountability and humane treatment of animals, a sentiment that resonates deeply within Taiwan's growing awareness of animal welfare issues.

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Based on the evidence, including footage from 2023 to 2025 showing dragging, leash whipping, chair throwing, and kicking, the owner has been fined the maximum of NT$75,000 according to the Animal Protection Act.