A second Hualien firefighter has publicly disputed the official story of how rescue dog Wilson died, accusing the fire department of covering up an abuse case — bad news for the department's credibility and for the handler at the center of it.

• Wilson, a search dog credited with saving lives after the 2024 Hualien earthquake, was said to have died in a fall during training last May.
• A firefighter now says the handler kicked Wilson to death and that no CPR was given, contradicting the official version.
• The department claimed the handler was alone at the base that day; the new account says several other staff were there, and shift records would prove it.
• Hualien's fire chief has denied any beating or gag order, releasing photos and a vet's accidental-death certificate showing no broken bones.
• The post drew over 60,000 likes and thousands of comments, with many demanding prosecutors open an investigation.

Outlook: Public pressure is building for an independent criminal probe, and the department's own duty rosters are likely to become the next flashpoint.