Snow-chasing rider fined for bringing horse onto Wuling highway

Taipei, Dec. 28 (CNA) A man who rode a horse to Wuling on Hehuanshan, in an apparent attempt to see snowfall was fined by police on Sunday for violating traffic regulations, while national park authorities said they are reviewing whether additional penalties apply.

Police said the man was traveling on a public road at Wuling -- the highest point in Taiwan's highway system at an elevation of 3,275m, and was issued a citation under the Road Traffic Management and Penalty Act.

He was fined for allowing or leading an animal on a public road in a way that obstructed traffic, an offense punishable by a fine of NT$300 (US$9.5) to NT$600, police said.

The incident drew public attention after the man and his horse were spotted in a parking lot at the popular scenic site, where visitors often stop to take photos. While unusual behavior at Wuling has occasionally gone viral in the past, officials said bringing a horse to the area was rare.

The Taroko National Park Headquarters said it received a report earlier in the day and dispatched staff, along with local police, to verify the situation.

Park authorities said that under national park regulations, pets are prohibited from entering trails, ecological protection zones, historic preservation areas and special scenic zones.

However, as the man and his horse were found in a recreation area, which is not automatically subject to the same restrictions, officials said they must first determine whether parking rules were violated and whether adequate safety measures were in place.

If violations are confirmed, the rider could face an additional fine of up to NT$3,000, the park authority said.