A foreign couple escaped injury after being chased by stray dogs in Tainan’s Annan District on April 30. The pair was eventually located by emergency responders after fleeing into a windbreak forest.
Incident on Chengxi Street
The couple, consisting of a Portuguese man and a Japanese woman who were staying in the Anping District, were riding YouBikes toward the Annan District around 6:00 PM. Whereas traveling along Chengxi Street, they were pursued and besieged by stray dogs, prompting them to call 110 for help.
Emergency Response and Search
Police initially used mobile phone positioning to narrow the search to the area around the Chengxi Incinerator. After questioning security personnel on-site without success, authorities coordinated with fire departments to conduct a carpet-style search of the remote coastal area.
Because the emergency call came from a foreign phone number and was conducted entirely in English, police deployed foreign affairs personnel to assist with translation during the operation.
Public Safety Warning
Following the rescue, the Tainan City Police Department’s Third Precinct warned the public that there are many stray dogs in the vicinity of the Chengxi Incinerator and the surrounding windbreak forests. Authorities advised people passing through these areas to remain vigilant.
Depending on the frequency of such encounters, local authorities may consider increased monitoring or animal control measures in the Annan District to prevent future incidents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was involved in the incident?
The individuals involved were a Portuguese man and a Japanese woman who were visiting Tainan and staying in the Anping District.
Where were the tourists eventually found?
They were found at 8:10 PM in a windbreak forest located behind the Chengxi Radar Station.
Did the couple sustain any injuries?
No, the couple was not injured during the encounter.
Do you perceive more multilingual emergency signage should be placed in remote tourist areas to improve safety?
