33 stray dogs caught in Old Taipa Village after Taipa bite attack

Stray dogs and cats are clustering in Macau’s public spaces due to feeding, with 33 dogs and one cat captured this year after a pedestrian was bitten in Old Taipa Village, the Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) said.

Responding to media inquiries over a string of stray dog attacks on pedestrians in the area, the bureau acknowledged that it had recently received reports of stray dogs harassing pedestrians in Taipa’s old town, resulting in injuries, with the victims sustaining minor wounds and being discharged after treatment.

The incidents were believed to have been caused by the long-standing habit of feeding stray animals in public spaces, which encourages animal aggregation and creates safety hazards, the bureau said, calling on the public to stop the practice. It added that persistent feeding around Chun Su Mei in Taipa had drawn animals to the area, prompting the capture of 33 stray dogs and one stray cat through inspections and trapping operations so far this year, while cleaning crews have been directed to step up the removal of leftover food.

The bureau has cautioned that the long-standing habit of feeding strays in public areas has resulted in animal gatherings, creating hygiene hazards and territorial conflicts that endanger residents. With strays often taking refuge in hillsides, trapping remains challenging. The bureau called on the public to refrain from feeding strays and committed to strengthening public awareness campaigns on animal welfare, responsible ownership and sterilization to address the root cause of stray animal proliferation.

According to a report by Chinese-language media Macao Daily News, two civic leaders in Taipa have urged authorities to take effective measures to control stray animals and eliminate safety hazards in the community. They noted that Taipa’s old town, particularly the area around Rua do Cunha, is a core tourist district with heavy foot traffic, and with several schools reopening, many children and elderly residents pass through the area daily. If stray dogs gather in packs and display aggressive behavior, they pose a real threat to passers-by.

They suggested that authorities deploy more personnel to patrol Rua do Cunha and surrounding schools, capture aggressive strays promptly, and remove food left by residents or individuals in the community to prevent stray dogs from gathering. They also called for timely communication with local schools and community groups to raise awareness about stray dog safety and ensure safe travel for all.