Torturing Cats is Lucrative (and Legal) in China

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“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.”

– Mahatma Gandhi

Back when I started this blog as a fun way to show other cat guardians how to give their cats the best life possible, I never imagined that I’d be writing about animal abuse. Or China. Or animal abuse in China.

But the Universe has a strange way of nudging us towards the place where we can do the greatest good. At least, if we listen to the subtle cues, anyway.

Right now, I feel like this is my chance to make a difference.

Torturing Cats is Lucrative in China

When I first learned about this unspeakable practice last week, my initial reaction was sheer and utter disbelief. There’s simply no way anyone could let such a thing persist, not in 2024, anyway. Or so I thought…

And I mean, who would even want to see animals being tortured, let alone be the one doing the torturing? Sadly, a Google search and a few minutes of research turned up additional evidence that corroborates the grim headlines I’d initially come across.

The things people do for money will never cease to amaze me.  

Torturing Cats is Legal in China

Many parts of this situation seem unconscionable. But perhaps worst of all, the Chinese government literally allows such behavior to persist and thrive within its borders.

There are currently NO laws against torturing animals in China. Again, this is very hard for me to even wrap my head around, having grown up in America. Stray animals are treated with total disrespected and physically abused in plain daylight, unspeakable things.

These are cats (and dogs) that have feelings and can feel pain. They would be our pets if they were born almost anywhere else in the world.

Living creatures that are guilty of nothing besides being born in the worst place at the worst time deserve better than this.

Why Am I Writing About Animal Abuse in China

Animal abuse of any sort is reprehensible; there is no place for it in modern society. Killing animals for food, hunting, or other purposes is debatable. This is not.

Up until last week however, I had no idea that there were people in China that torture, maim, and kill innocent cats for sport. These are the same cats that we in the Western world affectionately call our “furry family members”. Ignorance is bliss, as they say.

Since I, someone that spends the bulk of my time thinking about, playing with, and generally obsessing about cats, was not aware, I assume most people are oblivious to this disturbing truth.

But once you know, everything changes. Suddenly I realized that I had an important choice to make, as we all do when we learn of injustices like this:

Remain silent, AKA complacent, or take action and do something about it.

How You Can Help

Raising awareness about this issue is the most important thing any of us can do. As long as the Chinese government (and whoever else has a vested interest in keeping this going) can continue to suppress widespread media coverage nothing will change.

The best way to make an impact is to do whatever you can to spread the word and educate others about this issue. Every like and comment on this article will increase its reach. Sharing it with friends, family, and your own social media is even better still.

Signing this petition is another simple way to show your support for ending this despicable network of blatant animal abuse.  We’ve included links below for other country-specific versions, please feel free to sign them all.

There will also be more ways to help in the future, sadly, this problem won’t be going away anytime soon. If you feel even more compelled to help us make a difference, you can donate directly on our site.

What I Am Doing to Help

First and foremost, I am spreading the word to ensure that as many people as possible know that this is going on. The Chinese government has been successful thus far at keeping this (like most things) out of the press.

Raising awareness and support at the international level will help build momentum. As more and more countries join together and voice their unwavering disapproval, pressure will mount, ultimately forcing the PRC to take action against the rampant abuse in China.

But first we must make this a priority for our own governments. Without their backing our voices will go unheard, deflected by the evil veil of communist propaganda long before they can reach the ears of the Chinese people.

Next, I am trying to learn as much as I can about the situation, the various stakeholders involved, and the cultural norms and values at play. Education is crucial for having any shot at reaching an acceptable outcome.

Finally, I will be pounding the pavement. I am proud to say I will be attending my very first rally for anything ever next week in NYC, I’d love it if you could join me!  

New York City Protest on June 19th

Who: All Animal Lovers; Organized by Feline Guardians Without Borders (Link)

What: A Rally to protest Cat Torture Networks in China and raise public awareness

When: Wednesday, June 19th @6PM

Where: NYC, Washington Square Park (meet underneath the arch)

Why: Because no living being should ever be subject to such deplorable treatment

Additional Resources / Learn More

• Sign the petition (US version): https://www.change.org/p/chinese-cat-torture-time-for-action-to-stop-it?source_location=psf_petitions

• Sign the petition (UK version): https://www.change.org/p/urgent-call-to-put-a-stop-to-unprecedented-levels-of-cruelty-torture-to-animals-in-china

• Sign the petition (German Version) https://www.change.org/p/china-katzen-folter-ring-cat-torture-ring

• OIPA (Organization for International Protection of Animals): https://www.oipa.org/international/cats-tortured-and-killed-online-china/

• “One-click” Email templates to send to your representatives + other useful links: https://telegra.ph/Actionables-to-Take-Down-Cat-Abuse-Gang-09-20?fbclid=PAAaZypCGMD0ssPDsXTobmzdAIls_TIDdW2fJf4u7WZICY63c461vzE1wQv24