Three Cats with Burns as if Scorched by a Face Torch...

Police Begin Investigation After Securing CCTV Footage and Other Evidence

A stray cat with severe burns on its head was found in an industrial complex in Busan, sparking public outrage.

The animal protection organization 'Busan Animal Love Stray Cat Protection Coalition' (Coalition) announced on the 22nd that it discovered three cats suspected of being abused in the Gangseo-gu area of Busan on the 19th. The Coalition has currently filed a complaint with the Gangseo Police Station.

A cat with facial burns and some damaged body parts. [Image source=Busan Animal Love Street Cat Protection Association]

According to the Coalition, the cats were found near a factory in Gangseo-gu, and all were seriously injured, with burns on their faces that appeared to be caused by a torch, and some even had their ears cut off. The Coalition believes someone deliberately abused the cats.

While filing the police complaint, the Coalition also reportedly put up banners offering a reward to catch the abuser.

The police, having received the complaint, conducted witness interviews with the Coalition members. They also secured CCTV footage from near the site where the abused cats were found and plan to continue the investigation.

The Coalition stated, "Animal abuse crimes are becoming increasingly serious and have a high potential to escalate into crimes against humans," urging that "cruel animal abuse crimes should be punished with imprisonment rather than lenient penalties."

Meanwhile, under the current Animal Protection Act, those who kill or cause the death of an animal through abuse can face up to three years in prison or a fine of up to 30 million won.

Cases of animal law violations have been steadily increasing recently. According to data from the National Police Agency, animal abuse cases reported rose from 322 in 2017 to 688 in 2021, nearly doubling in four years.