Proposal for Criminalizing Animal Abuse and Enacting the "Anti-Animal Cruelty Law"

Recently, the animal abuse incident in Chongqing involving Li (known online as "Sam's Club Packer") sparked intense public outrage across society. The World Dog Alliance (WDA) hereby submits this letter to the Legislative Affairs Commission of the National People's Congress. The full text of the letter is as follows:

To the Legislative Affairs Commission of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress:

The recent animal abuse incident in Chongqing involving Li (known online as "Sam's Club Packer") has triggered severe and widespread public indignation. We are writing to respectfully urge your commission to attach great importance to this matter, to promote the criminalization of animal abuse, and to advance legislation for the Anti-Animal Cruelty Law, thereby effectively responding to public concerns and the demands of civilized development.

I. Typical Cases Expose Shortcomings in Current Laws

In June 2026, a 39-year-old man named Li (online alias "Sam's Club Packer") in the Liangjiang New Area of Chongqing was exposed for fraudulently obtaining multiple cats and dogs under the guise of "adoption." He subjected them to extreme and cruel abuse—including sawing off teeth while the animals were alive, cutting off tails and areas around the anus, and causing multiple fractures and pulmonary hemorrhages—until the animals died, after which he discarded their carcasses. It is also suspected that he filmed videos of these acts for profit. Following the exposure, hundreds of citizens gathered spontaneously to protest, generating a powerful social backlash. Although public security organs have placed him under administrative detention, the current Public Security Administration Punishment Law provides a maximum detention of only 15 days, failing to act as an effective deterrent against such atrocities. The repeated occurrence of similar incidents highlights the legislative vacuum in China regarding the protection of companion animals. (See Appendix 1 for news images regarding a man abusing dogs in Chongqing)

II. International Legislative Trends and Mature Experiences

Currently, more than 100 countries and regions worldwide have incorporated animal abuse into criminal law (See Appendix 2 for a Summary Table of Criminal Penalties for Animal Abuse in Selected Countries):

1. United States: All 50 states treat animal abuse as a felony. The federal PACT Act prescribes a maximum sentence of 7 years in prison for acts of extreme cruelty.

2. United Kingdom: Maximum of 5 years in prison; Germany: Maximum of 3 years; France, Italy, and other EU countries: 2 to 5 years, accompanied by lifetime bans on keeping pets.

3. Greece: Holds one of the highest penalties among publicly available information, sentencing offenders up to 10 years in prison alongside fines for intentional poisoning, severe abuse leading to death, and cases involving multiple animals.

4. Other high-fine countries: Ireland (fines up to €250,000) and Spain (up to €200,000), emphasizing economic deterrence.

These legislations have effectively reduced the incidence of abuse, maintained public order and good customs, and fostered a favorable environment for the development of the pet economy.

III. Legislative Necessity and Practical Significance

1. Maintaining Social Order and Public Morality: Animal abuse not only destroys life but also easily triggers public polarization and mass incidents, harming social harmony.

2. Protecting Companion Animals and the Pet Economy: China's pet market scale has exceeded 800 billion RMB, with multiple provinces establishing industrial parks. A lack of criminal protection will constrain the healthy development of the industry.

3. Enhancing the Nation’s Civilized Image: Aligning with international animal welfare standards reflects a rule-of-law spirit that is people-oriented and respectful of life.

4. Linking with Minor Protection: Studies show that animal abuse is often linked to subsequent violent crimes. Legislation can tighten the protective network.

Proposals:

1. Add the crime of "Animal Abuse" to the Criminal Law, clearly defining criminal liability for egregious circumstances (such as cruel methods, resulting in death, involving multiple animals, or commercial dissemination).

2. Alternatively, prioritize the formulation of the Anti-Animal Cruelty Law of the People's Republic of China (or Companion Animal Protection Law), covering definitions of animal abuse, prohibited acts, enforcement bodies, and criminal penalties.

IV. Conclusion

The Chongqing incident has sounded the alarm once again. We respectfully request your commission to fully listen to public opinion and promote relevant legislative research and draft formulation, allowing the law to better safeguard the dignity of life and promote the progress of social civilization. The above is submitted for your reference.

Respectfully,

Sky Liu

China Regional Director, World Dog Alliance

June 21, 2026