Three boys in Xuzhou, Jiangsu province, are under police investigation after they were accused of brutally killing a stray cat in an incident that has sparked widespread public outrage across China.
The incident reportedly took place at the Siji Liancheng Jincheng residential estate in Jiuli District. Videos of the alleged animal abuse quickly spread on social media, prompting calls for authorities to take action.
According to Chinese media reports, the three boys cornered a defenceless white stray cat on a grassy area. One of the boys allegedly pinned the animal to the ground with a thick wooden stick while the others repeatedly beat and stabbed it with sticks.
The cruelty did not end there. The boys were also accused of pouring a flammable liquid, believed to be petrol, over the injured cat before setting it on fire, killing it at the scene.
After the attack, a security guard from the residential complex arrived, documented the scene and placed the cat’s body into a red plastic bag. The animal was confirmed dead.
The disturbing footage triggered widespread anger online, with many netizens condemning the boys’ actions and demanding accountability from their parents and schools. Some users also attempted to identify those involved through online searches.
Local police confirmed on July 13 that they had immediately launched an investigation into the incident. Officers located the three boys and summoned them along with their parents for questioning.
Authorities said they had issued stern warnings and criticism to both the boys and their parents, stressing that guardians must take greater responsibility in supervising and educating their children to prevent similar incidents from happening again.
The case has reignited public debate in China over animal cruelty, juvenile behaviour and the need for stronger education on compassion and respect for animals.
