Taipei City Government

Thunder Scares Dogs into Running Away, Owners Get Fined

Those booming afternoon thunderstorms we’ve been having often give pets a fright. If you're walking your dog outside and aren't careful, your dog could easily slip its leash and bolt. The Taipei City Animal Protection Office (TCAPO) reports that just in August of this year (2025), they rescued two dogs that ran off after being startled by thunder. Luckily, the owners got them back safe and sound. However, since the pets were out without supervision, the owners broke the Animal Protection Act and each had to pay a NT$3,000 fine.

The TCAPO explained that loud noises—like a sudden clap of thunder or the sound of fireworks during a festival—can make dogs very anxious and cause them to panic and run. When dogs get lost, they can end up roaming the streets, getting hurt, or even putting their lives in danger. For instance, on August 5th, a wet Shiba Inu wearing a collar suddenly rushed into a guard booth at an apartment complex in Shilin District to get out of the rain. The guard confirmed the dog wasn't a resident's pet and called the 1959 animal protection hotline. TCAPO staff took the Shiba Inu to the Taipei Animal Shelter. The next day, when the owner picked up the dog, they said the dog is usually kept in the garage but must have been terrified by the thunder, yanked hard on the leash, and escaped.

Separately, on August 20th, a resident in Datong District found a yellow mixed-breed dog that had wandered into their house. They called the police, and the TCAPO took the dog to the shelter and notified the owner. The owner explained that this dog has become especially scared of thunder in the last couple of years. That day, it was having a drink of water by the front door when the thunder suddenly roared. The dog panicked, ran out of the house, got disoriented, and ended up at a neighbor's place. The TCAPO also mentioned a tragic case from last June (2024) where a dog, frightened by the thunder, tried to jump out a window and sadly fell to its death from the 6th floor.

The TCAPO shared these stories to remind pet owners: you never know when an accident will happen, so you need to take extra precautions to keep your pet safe. When you take your dog out, always check that the leash is secure, and at home, be careful to manage your doors and windows. They suggest using an anti-escape harness or making sure your windows and doors are secure.

If your pet gets away and is found wandering alone, you will be breaking Article 20, Paragraph 1 of the Animal Protection Act, and face a fine of NT3,000toNT15,000. The TCAPO also advises that if your dog goes missing, in addition to posting notices online, If you find your lost pet has been taken to the Taipei Animal Shelter, please bring your ID as soon as possible to complete the reclaim process, be responsible for your pet, and get them back to their loving home quickly.