Hualien prosecutors investigate death of rescue dog Wilson

Authorities in Hualien are investigating the controversial death of Wilson, a search and rescue dog that gained recognition for his service during the April 2024 earthquake. While the Hualien County Fire Bureau maintains that Wilson died from an accidental fall during training—citing veterinary evidence that his bones were not broken by external force—whistleblowers have alleged that the death was caused by abuse.

The Hualien District Prosecutors Office has received multiple complaints accusing the Hualien County Fire Bureau chief and a handler of violating the Animal Protection Act and criminal laws regarding negligence and intentional injury. In response, the National Fire Agency has requested the Hualien Animal and Plant Epidemic Prevention Division to conduct a formal investigation under animal protection laws.

The case has drawn public attention and support from figures such as actress Pan Hui-ju, who has called for a review of training standards for working dogs. Pan emphasized that working animals deserve high standards of welfare and that obedience should not be achieved through fear or injury. The Hualien County Council has also requested a special report from the Fire Bureau to clarify the circumstances of the death and the results of ongoing inquiries.