Golden retriever roaming streets leads to NT$83,000 fine for owner

A golden retriever repeatedly wandered alone through streets in New Taipei’s Wugu District and relieved itself in public, prompting authorities to investigate its owner.

Residents reported the dog’s movements around Ziqiang Road and provided multiple surveillance videos. The footage showed the animal alone in nearby lanes at different times, indicating repeated unsupervised activity rather than an isolated escape.

The area includes homes and passing traffic. Officials said a dog suddenly crossing the road could be hit by a vehicle or force drivers to swerve, creating additional safety risks.

The Animal Protection Office identified the owner and asked the person to provide an explanation, but the owner did not appear within the stated deadline. Authorities fined the owner NT$3,000 for repeatedly taking the dog into public places without a person aged at least seven accompanying it.

During the investigation, officials found that other dogs registered to the same owner had also not been sterilized as required and had not received regular rabies vaccinations. Those violations brought fines of NT$50,000 and NT$30,000, bringing the total to NT$83,000. The office reminded owners to use a leash and accompany their pets outside, while completing registration, sterilization and regular rabies vaccination requirements.