After 1,185 days and 9 postponements, China's first "pet poisoning" case received a public verdict on 11/12.

Zhang, a 65-year-old man, was sentenced to 4 years in prison for the serious crime of "intentionally spreading hazardous substances."

The owner of Papi, a dog poisoned to death, waits with clasped hands at the court gate on the day of the verdict. Photo: CNR

In September 2022, a pet poisoning incident occurred in a residential area in Chaoyang district, Beijing. Papi, a 13-year-old West Highland White Terrier, died from poisoning. Several other domestic dogs and two stray cats were also victims. A total of 9 dogs died after consuming chicken scraps laced with sodium fluoroacetate, a highly toxic substance commonly found in rodenticides.

Studies show that ingesting, or even just smelling or licking a small amount of sodium fluoroacetate, can be fatal to animals and humans.

Enraged pet owners reported the incident to the police. The investigation revealed that the poisoning site was next to a children's playground within the residential area. Through surveillance camera footage and witness testimonies, police identified Zhang, a resident of the area, as the poisoner and found evidence of the toxic substance in his home.

Zhang confessed to the act, stating it was retaliation for his dissatisfaction with pets in the residential area causing disturbances and defecating everywhere, and because his granddaughter disliked dogs. Zhang asserted that he only poisoned animals, which he considered within the scope of civil compensation, saying, "at most, I'll pay to resolve the issue."

Initially, police filed the case as "intentional property damage." However, after further investigation, the case was elevated to a criminal offense of "intentionally spreading hazardous substances." This charge is among the 8 most serious crimes under Chinese criminal law, alongside intentional homicide, rape, arson, and drug trafficking.

The prosecution presented three arguments for classifying the case as so severe: First, the location of the poisoning was dangerous; the community's express parcel lockers were only a few steps from the children's playground, and surveillance cameras showed children picking up fallen food from the ground.

Second, the poisoning act was vicious. Surveillance cameras showed Zhang scattering suspicious substances three times. The highly toxic pesticide mixed into pet food was a state-banned substance that could cause death.

Third, Zhang's attitude in court was poor, and he refused to pay economic compensation, which constituted an aggravating circumstance.

After considering all factors, the court sentenced Zhang to 4 years in prison, exceeding the 3 years recommended by the prosecution. Zhang has filed an appeal with a higher court.

Papi's owner quit his job, spending three years pursuing the lawsuit to "avenge" his pet. Photo: Xiaohongshu

In recent years, conflicts and disputes arising from "pet ownership conduct rules" have continuously emerged.

China's pet market has exceeded 300 billion CNY, with over 180 million dogs and cats. The average annual expenditure per pet is nearly 6,000 CNY, and the number of dogs and cats is two times the number of children under 4 years old. However, many uncivilized pet owners cause frustration for those around them.

In 2022, Chengdu experienced several incidents of dog poisoning using low-toxicity substances and razor blades. In 2024, Wuhan saw 14 pets poisoned on the streets. In November 2024, over 40 dogs were poisoned in Guangzhou.

Given this situation, conflicting views between those advocating for strict penalties and those who believe "they deserved to be poisoned" have become increasingly intense.

In the Civil Code, pets are classified as "property," falling under the category of ownership rights. In reality, owners often consider pets as family members; their emotional value is intangible, and even the sudden death of a pet can cause severe emotional trauma. This is why Papi's owner quit his job and spent three years studying criminal law to pursue this lawsuit to "avenge" his pet.

Despite laws protecting wild animals, livestock, and experimental animals, China currently lacks clear legislation prohibiting general animal cruelty. Lawyers and experts suggest efforts are needed to establish forensic evaluation standards for pets.

In this case, the Beijing court's verdict is considered a breakthrough in addressing the limitations of current laws, respecting "animals' right to life," and demonstrating the fairness and compassion of the law.

Tue Anh (according to CCTV, CNA)