Taipei's 'dog cage' smoking area dismantled after public outcry

Taipei's controversial "dog cage" smoking area, erected with metal railings on a sidewalk, has been dismantled after facing widespread public criticism and condemnation from cross-party lawmakers. The structure, initially presented as inspired by Japanese design and part of a "smoke-free city" initiative, was derided by residents and netizens as resembling a "dog cage," "open-air prison," or "bizarre art installation."

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Chiang Wan-an always fails to explain or review at the first instance. Only after public opinion completely backfires does he quietly order the demolition to stop the bleeding.

Following the public outcry, Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an's administration adopted its characteristic crisis management approach: remaining silent initially, then quietly ordering the removal of the structure once public opinion turned decisively against it. This pattern has drawn sharp criticism, with writer Jaw Shau-hui likening Chiang's approach to "asking A, dismantling A," a shift from his previous "answering A with B" style.

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From the 'mushroom sunshade' costing NT$7.44 million to the 'dog cage smoking area' that was built and then dismantled, it completely exposes Chiang Wan-an's hasty decision-making and execution, only seeking short-term public relations buzz without long-term planning and expert evaluation.

This incident follows another costly public works failure, the "mushroom sunshade" that cost NT$7.44 million. Critics argue these projects reveal Chiang's hasty decision-making and superficial execution, prioritizing short-term public relations gains over long-term planning and expert consultation. The rapid construction of such ill-conceived facilities, often driven by officials rushing to meet performance targets for the mayor, results in wasted taxpayer money and public time.

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Blindly busy political performance, wasting Taipei citizens' taxpayer money and time.

Despite the dismantling, city officials continue to use bureaucratic language like "rolling adjustments" and "transitional measures," promising a "comprehensive plan" by year-end. However, residents perceive this as a pattern of "spending without thinking," "refusing to admit mistakes," and "secretly dismantling" flawed projects. The mayor's public image, carefully cultivated over years, has been significantly damaged by this "small outdoor dog cage," exposing what critics call his "incompetence."

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Spending without thinking, refusing to admit mistakes and apologize, secretly dismantling, a vase-like city government team.