South Korean Man Sentenced for Killing Over 20 Cats Adopted Under False Pretenses

In a disturbing case that has shocked South Korea, a man in his 20s was sentenced to one year and six months in prison for violating the Animal Protection Act after adopting and killing more than 20 cats. The Ulsan District Court delivered the verdict on April 24, highlighting the premeditated and cruel nature of the crimes. 

According to court records, the man, referred to as Mr. A, began his spree in June 2023 by adopting a kitten in Yangsan. While driving to Ulsan, he pulled over, struck the kitten with his fist, and discarded the body by throwing it out of the vehicle. Over the next two months, Mr. A continued to adopt kittens through online forums under the guise of providing them with homes. Instead, he subjected them to extreme cruelty, including setting their legs on fire, before abandoning their corpses. 

The crimes came to light when individuals who had entrusted the cats to Mr. A contacted him to check on the animals’ wellbeing. His vague and evasive responses, followed by a complete cease of communication, prompted them to report the matter to police. 

Investigations revealed that Mr. A harbored animosity toward stray cats due to past experiences, including being disturbed by their noise and having to clean cat feces at his former workplace. The court noted that his actions were further fueled by emotional distress from a recent breakup and financial losses in a failed real estate investment. 

In its ruling, the court stated, “The crimes were repetitive and premeditated, carried out in an extremely cruel manner, showing a clear lack of respect for life.” It also acknowledged the emotional suffering experienced by those who had rehomed the cats.