"Buy a Cat Like a Drink?"... Controversy Over What Is Sold in Chinese Vending Machines

Animal Abuse Controversy Intensifies Online
Netizens Divided Over Pet Vending Machine

A "pet vending machine" has appeared in a major shopping mall in China, sparking controversy over animal abuse.

On the 19th, Chinese state media Southern Metropolis Daily and other local outlets reported that a pet vending machine with an automatic sales system was recently installed in a shopping mall in Shandong Province, China, causing a stir. In the photos released by the media, the vending machine consists of three transparent compartments, each containing one or two cats. On the outside, signs such as "unmanned sales" are posted. This device is operated by a nearby pet shop. When a customer scans the QR code attached to the outside and completes payment, the vending machine door opens automatically, allowing the buyer to take the animal directly.

A "Pet Vending Machine" has appeared in a major shopping mall in China, sparking controversy over animal abuse. On the 19th, Chinese state media Southern Metropolis Daily and other local outlets reported that a pet vending machine with an automatic sales system was recently installed in a shopping mall in Shandong Province, China, causing a stir. Photo by Southern Metropolis Daily

However, the store and its staff are located away from the vending machine, resulting in animals being neglected during unattended hours. Although a ventilation system was installed inside, the water bowls were almost empty and contaminated. Additionally, feces were left uncleaned and neglected. On the outside of the machine, phrases such as "biological exhibition area," "unmanned sales," and "0 yuan adoption" are written.

As images of this situation spread on social networking services (SNS), the controversy over animal abuse intensified. Some users expressed anger, saying, "The internal environment is unsanitary," "The cats must be stressed," "It's shocking to buy a cat like you would buy a drink from a vending machine," and "It's heartbreaking to see cats trapped in a space with poor ventilation." An online chatroom was even created for reporting the pet vending machine. On the other hand, one user questioned, "I don't understand why this is controversial," and asked, "Is there any difference between a pet shop and this vending machine?"

The store and its staff are located away from the vending machines, resulting in animals being neglected during unattended hours. Although a ventilation system was installed inside, the water bowls were almost empty and contaminated. Additionally, feces were left uncleaned and neglected. Nambang Daily

As the controversy grew, the shopping mall where the vending machine was installed claimed, "We did not install it," and stated, "The shop that operates in the mall installed and manages it independently," thus deflecting responsibility. The vending machine manufacturer also shifted responsibility to the pet shop, saying, "We only supply the machines; all management responsibilities rest entirely with the pet shop." A representative of the pet shop asserted, "All animals in the vending machine have been vaccinated and undergone health checks," and claimed, "A staff member cleans the inside and checks the animals' conditions every day."

Meanwhile, under domestic law, leaving animals in confined spaces for long periods or failing to provide basic care constitutes animal abuse. Article 8 of the Animal Protection Act defines animal abuse not only as killing or injuring animals in a cruel manner, but also as acts that cause suffering by not providing food or by leaving animals in unsanitary conditions.