TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Two guard dogs were used as targets to test an airgun’s power and accuracy, resulting in one dog’s death and severe injury to another. 

Police announced the arrest of a Vietnamese migrant worker surnamed Nguyen (阮), per CNA. The mixed-breed wolfhounds were kept at a clam farm belonging to Changhua Aquaculture Development Association Chair Hung Hsi-yuan (洪錫原). 

Nguyen will be questioned and transferred to the Changhua District Prosecutors Office on suspicion of breaking the Animal Protection Act, damaging property, and trespassing.

After reviewing surveillance footage along the suspect's escape route, police located Nguyen’s residence. Following an overnight stakeout, they apprehended him.

Nguyen confessed that after purchasing a gas-powered air gun, he sought animals to test its accuracy. He claimed he was unaware the act was illegal.

Police underlined that Article 6 of the Animal Protection Act states “one must not harass, abuse, or injure any animal.”

Any gun that uses compressed gas to fire projectiles instead of burning powder as a propellant is classified as an airgun. If the propellant is carbon dioxide, the gun is technically a “gas” gun, as in this case, but it is still commonly called an airgun.