Unending Animal Abuse... Could It Lead to Cruel Crimes?

Dead bodies of mutilated cats found consecutively in Seoul, Busan, and Gyeongnam
Civilians say "Humans are the worst," "Stronger punishment needed," expressing outrage
Animal protection groups state "Animal abuse is tolerated in our country... Need to recognize them as beings to coexist with"
Experts warn "Animal abuse acts can lead to violence against humans"

According to Busan Haeundae Police Station, at around 3:07 PM on the 6th, a report was received by 112 that someone had abandoned the body of a mutilated stray kitten in the underground parking lot of an apartment in Haeundae-gu. The cat's body, presumed to be a kitten, was found severely mutilated, with its head and right front paw cut off. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suwan] Amid ongoing horrific abuse crimes against stray cats, a cat carcass with its head and legs severed was found in the underground parking lot of an apartment in Busan, sparking controversy. Similar incidents of brutally killed stray cats have repeatedly been reported in Seoul, but the lack of consequent punishment has raised concerns that this could escalate into a larger social problem.

Many experts have pointed out the need to break the cycle of animal abuse. In particular, they analyze that such animal abuse crimes could lead to crimes against humans.

Severely mutilated cat carcasses have been found one after another across the country, prompting police investigations. According to the Haeundae Police Station in Busan, at 3:07 p.m. on the 6th, a report was received via 112 that someone had abandoned a mutilated stray kitten carcass in the underground parking lot of an apartment in Haeundae-gu.

At the time of discovery, the kitten, presumed to be young, was severely mutilated with its head and right front paw severed.

Brutal crimes against cats are occurring nationwide. Last month, in Mapo-gu, Seoul, cat carcasses were found mutilated in commercial areas and parking lots in succession.

KARA, which received a tip about a cat killing incident at a commercial building in Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, stated, "The skin on the severed parts was cut with a sharp tool," and added, "Considering the blood was wiped off, it appears someone intentionally killed the cat and left the carcass in a place visible to anyone."

On the 13th of last month, a mutilated kitten carcass was also found in a residential area in Changwon, Gyeongnam. In this case, severed front and hind legs of a kitten were found near the residential area in succession. The Changwon Stray Cat Protection Association estimated, "It seems someone deliberately cut the cat's legs using scissors."

The police believe these cases involve a person using tools to sever the cats' paws and are tracking suspects through closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage.

The problem is that despite the cruel killing of animals, the punishment remains lenient. Although the Animal Protection Act has been amended, there are criticisms that no meaningful rulings have been made. Photo by Yonhap News

As incidents of brutally killing cats continue, citizens are expressing outrage. One citizen said, "Humans are the worst for using such cruel methods. They must be severely punished," and "The punishments are too lenient, so these acts keep repeating." They emphasize that punishments must be strengthened to reduce animal abuse.

The problem is that despite the brutal killing of animals, punishments remain mild. Although the Animal Protection Act has been amended, meaningful verdicts have yet to be issued.

Animal abuse crimes are reportedly increasing. According to the National Police Agency, the number of suspects prosecuted for violating the Animal Protection Act rose from 262 in 2014 to 592 in 2018, more than doubling in four years. However, among 512 prosecutions for Animal Protection Act violations in the past three years, only four cases resulted in imprisonment.

Some voices express concern that cruel animal abuse could lead to crimes against humans. This is based on evidence that well-known serial killers began their criminal activities with animal abuse.

In fact, a study by Northeastern University in Boston, USA, found that 45% of murderers, 36% of domestic violence offenders, and 30% of child molesters had histories of animal abuse.

The research showed traces of animal abuse in 30% of male offenders, 30% of child molesters, 36% of domestic violence offenders, and 46% of murderers.

Experts also warn that acts of animal abuse can escalate into violence against humans.

Lee Wonbok, head of the Korea Animal Protection Union, said, "Awareness of life, understanding, and consideration is still at a low level. Stray cats are neighbors with whom we must coexist, yet education and publicity on this are lacking. Although the law allows for imprisonment of up to three years or fines up to 30 million won for animal abusers, actual punishments are rarely enforced, which is problematic. This clearly shows that our country is lenient toward animal abuse."

He continued, "Even serial killers like Kang Ho-soon and Yoo Young-chul started with animal abuse. The reason foreign countries view animal abuse as a serious social problem is that crimes learned against animals often lead to crimes against humans. The judicial authorities must recognize the seriousness of animal abuse," he emphasized.

Experts also analyze that cases of cat carcass mutilation serve as warning messages to so-called 'cat moms' who care for cats.

Oh Yoonseong, professor of Police Administration at Soonchunhyang University, said, "The act of cutting cats is carried out by people who differ in cruelty and sadism compared to ordinary people," and added, "Attacks on animals target weaker beings. Especially, killing cats and brutally mutilating their carcasses sends a kind of 'warning' message through the cats. It is anger toward cats and cat moms encroaching on one's territory."

He further stated, "Animal abuse is included among the three major early warning signs of psychopaths. While this act does not necessarily lead to attacks on humans, the possibility cannot be ruled out, which is concerning. I believe social attention is needed," he suggested.