TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Taipei City Animal Protection Office reminds the public that the sound of New Year's Eve fireworks can frighten dogs and cats, causing them to run onto the streets.
It recommended that those with pets in their homes close doors and windows or put pets on a leash to prevent them from escaping, which could result in a fine. This year, 190 fines have been issued, including for 172 dogs, 15 cats, and 3 other animals, per CNA.
The office said an individual dialed the 1959 animal rescue hotline to report a dog roaming the streets of Neihu. The owner was contacted and fined NT$3,000 (US$92), as he admitted to frequently allowing his dog to leave the house unaccompanied.
Cats also frequently escape their homes if doors and windows are not closed properly. A citizen recently reported a cat “meowing” from a storm drain in Taipei's Wanmei community. City officials discovered a frightened British shorthair cat trapped in the storm drain.

Fortunately, the cat's owner had completed the pet registration process by placing a microchip in the cat. This allowed the owner to be contacted when the cat was freed from the drain.
However, the cat owner is subject to a fine for violating the Animal Protection Act.
Owners whose pets accidentally wander outside without leashes could be fined between NT$3,000-15,000. If the public finds a lost pet, they should put it on a leash or secure it in a cage and call the 1959 animal rescue hotline.