Chinese police detained a man surnamed Li after videos purporting to show him torturing dogs — allegedly filmed to be sold online — triggered public outrage. Volunteers found an adopted puppy abandoned with severe injuries and more than 100 people protested outside his Chongqing residence. Authorities have not announced formal charges; campaigners are calling for tougher animal-cruelty laws and harsher penalties.
Chinese Man Detained After Disturbing Dog-Torture Videos Spark Mass Protests
There has been growing awareness of animal welfare issues in China in recent years. [AFP via Getty Images]
Chinese authorities have detained a man surnamed Li after videos that appear to show dogs being tortured — reportedly filmed to be sold online — sparked widespread outrage on social media and in the streets of Chongqing.
Local reports say Li placed an ad on the short-video platform Douyin earlier this month offering to adopt dogs for free, claiming his two children "absolutely loved puppies." People who entrusted animals to him allege he posed as an enthusiastic adopter but then abused several cats and dogs he took in.
Volunteers from an animal-rights group discovered one adopted puppy abandoned in the stairwell of Li's building with a broken limb, a severed tail and a swollen head. The injured animal and circulating videos prompted more than 100 people to gather outside his residence to protest; clips show demonstrators holding posters and calling for action.
Police have confirmed the man was detained but have not disclosed the specific offence under investigation. Animal cruelty is not currently a criminal offence under Chinese law, though public awareness of animal welfare has been rising and campaigners are calling for clearer legal protections.
One poster read: "Those who abuse animals are merely practising cruelty towards humans!" Another demanded: "Stop animal abuse. We strongly call for laws against animal cruelty."
Several videos show officers moving protesters away from the site and restricting photography. Social media users on platforms such as Weibo have demanded severe punishment and urged lawmakers to close legal gaps that leave animals unprotected.
Next steps: Authorities say an investigation is underway. Animal-welfare groups and veterinarians are pushing for formal charges, better enforcement and new laws to deter future abuse.
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