November 1, 2025 | Chiayi County, Taiwan
A one-year-old boy in Yizhu Township, Chiayi County, suffered serious facial injuries after being attacked by a dog during a temple celebration earlier this week. The incident occurred at Zhongxing Temple in Zhongzhuang Village during a birthday banquet for Marshal Zhongtan.
According to reports, the dog suddenly lunged at the toddler and bit his face. The boy’s mother immediately intervened, shouting and chasing the dog away before rushing her son to Chiayi Chang Gung Memorial Hospital for emergency treatment. Because the wound is located near his eye, the child remains hospitalized for ongoing debridement and wound care.
Authorities confirmed that the boy’s family has filed a report with the police, and the Chiayi County Animal Disease Control Center has since located the dog. The animal, owned by a local resident, was sedated and transferred to a shelter for further observation and management.
Village chief Hsieh Sheng-chi said residents had previously reminded the dog’s owner to keep the animal restrained, as it was often seen roaming freely. The Chiayi County Social Affairs Bureau has contacted the boy’s family to provide assistance and support.
Lin Pei-ru, director of the Chiayi County Animal Disease Prevention and Control Center, emphasized that pet owners must fulfill their responsibilities by registering pets, providing rabies vaccinations, and ensuring sterilization. Violators face penalties starting at NT$83,000 under the Animal Protection Act and the Animal Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Act. Additional fines of up to NT$15,000 may be imposed if dogs are found in public without proper supervision, and owners who abandon pets to evade responsibility can face fines of up to NT$150,000.
Meanwhile, the Chiayi County Social Affairs Bureau revealed that the boy’s mother, who is raising two young children alone, has limited financial means. The agency plans to assist the family in applying for aid from local and private organizations to help with medical and living expenses. Authorities will also assess the need for trauma counseling and continued support for the child’s recovery after hospital discharge.