An incident of cat abuse has once again occurred at a university in China, sparking online outrage. According to several netizens, on October 17th, a student at the Light Industry College of North China University of Technology publicly abused a cat, stomping on it to death before throwing its body into a garbage bin.
A video released by the “Companion Animal Fund” shows a male student tying a rope around a cat’s neck, dragging it to the trash bin, and then violently stomping and hitting the cat until it died, before disposing of the body in the bin. Many internet users have reported the incident to the school authorities and local government hotline for complaints.
Sources revealed that the student involved is Yan, a 22nd-grade student who allegedly frequently watched videos of cat abuse during class and would harm cats after class, with the school being aware but failing to take any action. After the video of Yan abusing the cat was exposed, the school allegedly pressured other students to delete the content or face expulsion, and Yan even threatened other students.
The incident quickly gained attention on social media. Popular pet blogger and Weibo influencer, “I’m Actually Not Ugly, Meow,” posted screenshots on Weibo, stating, “I have received pleas for help from students of the school over the past few days, and have compiled all evidence and images. Please don’t silence and punish the students speaking out, instead, respond positively and punish this cat abuser accordingly!”
Netizens expressed their outrage, with one saying, “You can choose not to love, but you must not harm.” It was revealed that Yan had not only abused one cat to death but had also previously killed another cat who was close to a white cat. He was reported to be intimidating his classmates and showing a ruthless attitude. Calls were made for his expulsion and a fine to be imposed on him, with strong opposition against any leniency.
Video blogger and Weibo influencer, “Cat Craftsman,” criticized the school for silencing the students and not allowing them to speak out against animal cruelty on campus, questioning when the laws against animal abuse will be enforced.
Under public pressure, officials at the administrative office of the Light Industry College of North China University of Technology stated on the morning of October 21st that the school is currently handling the matter, and further details will be announced on the official school website.
Officials from the Tangshan Municipal Public Service Hotline confirmed that the case has been referred to the school’s supervisory department for processing, though specific actions have not yet been disclosed.
Staff at the duty room of the Hebei Provincial Department of Education stated that the situation has been recorded and will be assigned to the relevant departments for further action.
The Light Industry College of North China University of Technology, located in Tangshan City, Hebei Province, was established in 2001 and is an independent college under the approval of the Hebei Provincial Government and the Ministry of Education of China, hosted by North China University of Technology.