As Stray Cats Die One After Another in Incheon... Animal Group Submits Complaint Suspecting Abuse

Three Cats Harmed Near Planned Park Site
Fourteen Cats Died Last Year in Related Incident

In Incheon, the bodies of stray cats suspected of being abused were found one after another. On the 12th, Yonhap News reported, citing Animal Freedom Union, that from the 25th of last month to the 8th of this month, two stray cats were found dead and one was found injured at a park site in Yeonsu-gu, Incheon. According to the information shared by Animal Freedom Union, the two bodies were either skinned or had their eyeballs popped out, and the injured cat had a wire tied to its tail. Based on witness statements, Animal Freedom Union suspected abuse and filed a complaint with the police for violation of the Animal Protection Act.

Several carcasses of stray cats suspected of abuse were found consecutively in Incheon. On the 12th, Animal Freedom Coalition reported that from the 25th of last month to the 8th of this month, two stray cats were found dead and one injured at a park site in Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, urging measures to prevent recurrence. The photo is not related to the specific content of the article. Asia Economy DB

An official from Animal Freedom Union said, "There were reports that a hostile atmosphere toward stray cats was spreading in the nearby neighborhood," and added, "We will request an autopsy of the cat bodies." According to an investigation based on informants' opinions, there was an incident last year where a total of 14 cats died after ingesting rat poison. In particular, conflicts related to stray cats have been ongoing in this area, including disputes between so-called 'cat moms' who care for the cats and certain residents, which even led to assault cases. A police official stated, "We have only received the complaint so far," and added, "We will investigate the specific circumstances of the case."

Court Establishes Sentencing Guidelines Amid Criticism of 'Lenient' Punishments for Animal Abuse

The main reason why news of abuse or killing of stray cats continues to surface is due to 'lenient' punishments. Even if perpetrators of stray cat abuse or killing are prosecuted for violating the Animal Protection Act, most receive not guilty verdicts. In 2022, a person who swung an umbrella at a stray cat and struck a facility where the cat hid with the umbrella was fined 300,000 won in the first trial but was acquitted in the second trial. The only time punishments were stronger was when the animal was recognized as someone's 'property.' In 2019, there was a case where a stray cat named 'Jadu' living near the Gyeongui Line Forest Trail was thrown and stepped on to death by a person. However, since Jadu was cared for by a nearby restaurant worker who provided shelter and food, the abuser was sentenced to six months in prison.

Meanwhile, the main reason why news of abuse or killing of stray cats continues to be heard is due to 'lenient' punishments. Even if perpetrators of stray cat abuse or killing are prosecuted for violating the Animal Protection Act, most receive not guilty verdicts. The photo is not related to the specific content of the article. Photo by Asia Economy DB

Amid ongoing criticism of the court's leniency in animal abuse cases, the Sentencing Commission began preparing sentencing guidelines last year. Specifically, although animal killing crimes are punishable by up to three years in prison or fines up to 30 million won, and animal injury crimes by up to two years in prison or fines up to 20 million won, the lack of detailed sentencing guidelines generally resulted in low fines or suspended sentences even for cruel crimes.

However, the Sentencing Commission first made it possible to sentence up to eight months in prison or fines ranging from 1 million to 7 million won for acts that kill or cause death to animals, considering mitigating factors such as diminished mental capacity. Particularly, if aggravating factors such as cruel methods are considered, sentences can range from eight months to two years in prison or fines from 5 million to 20 million won, and if two or more aggravating factors are present, the maximum statutory sentence of three years in prison can be imposed. Additionally, for acts that cause pain or injury to animals, sentences can be up to six months in prison or fines up to 5 million won with mitigating factors, and with aggravating factors, sentences can range from four months to one year and six months in prison or fines from 3 million to 5 million won. If two or more aggravating factors are present, the maximum statutory sentence of two years in prison can also be imposed.