TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A 56-year-old woman died in Kaohsiung after crashing her scooter into a stray dog on Dagong Road Thursday, police said.
The woman, surnamed Lee (李), was heading south when a stray dog darted into her path from the left. Two other scooter riders behind her were unable to avoid collision and fell, per CNA.
Lee was pronounced dead at the hospital. The dog was taken by police to an animal hospital, where a scan confirmed it was not microchipped.
The incident is under police investigation to determine liability.
The Hunei Precinct reported Friday that a similar incident occurred last Sunday, involving a 35-year-old scooter rider surnamed Tseng (曾) who collided with a stray dog. Tseng was cut and bruised but was conscious and in stable condition after treatment.
A breathalyzer test showed no alcohol impairment. The Hunei Precinct urged drivers to stay alert, adhere to speed limits, and maintain a safe following distance to prevent accidents.
Police identified distracted driving and failure to yield as the primary causes of recent accidents at the intersection. Precinct Chief Chen I-hung (陳義宏) announced plans to increase patrols and enhance community outreach programs, while calling on animal welfare groups to step up efforts and capture and sterilize stray animals, per Yahoo News.
Residents called for collaboration between the government and the community. Suggested measures include enhancing animal shelters, encouraging responsible pet ownership, and curbing pet abandonment.
