The Tragic End of Cat 'Dubu'... Male Perpetrator Sentenced to 8 Months in Prison

Changwon District Court, Gyeongnam. / Photo by Ryeong Lee ryeong@

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Seryeong] In January of this year, a man in his 20s who killed a cat by beating it in Changwon-si, Gyeongnam, was finally sentenced to 8 months in prison.

On the 16th, the Criminal Division 5 of Changwon District Court sentenced the man to 8 months in prison, suspended for 2 years, and ordered 1 year of probation along with 160 hours of community service.

According to Changwon District Court, the man was charged with violating the Animal Protection Act after grabbing the tail of a cat named ‘Dubu’ that he was taking care of at a restaurant around 7:30 PM on January 26, lifting it upside down, and striking it 16 times against a cement wall in the alley in front of the restaurant, causing the cat’s death.

The man, who was arrested by Changwon Jungbu Police at the time, reportedly stated, “The cat’s meowing usually disturbed my studying and sleep,” and “I committed the crime due to stress from job hunting.”

The defendant was investigated for violating the Animal Protection Act and property damage for killing the cat he was caring for at the restaurant, but the property damage charge was dismissed by the prosecutor’s non-prosecution decision, so only the trial related to the Animal Protection Act violation proceeded on this day.

The court said, “The method of the crime was cruel, and considering the attitude and method at the time of the crime, it is difficult to see it as accidental. Visitors to the restaurant, passersby, and the owner have expressed mental distress.”

It added, “The defendant admitted his wrongdoing and promised not to reoffend, and since the incident was reported in the media, the defendant has received much public criticism, which likely served as an opportunity for reflection,” explaining the reasons for sentencing.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.