"Is a Cat Blocking My Path?" 60-Year-Old Man Shoots and Kills with Air Gun

A Man in His 60s Arrested for Killing Stray Cats in Seogwipo, Jeju
Charged with Violations of Animal Protection Act and Firearms and Ammunition Act... Firearm Confiscated

A man in his 60s was arrested by the police for shooting and killing a cat with an air gun because the cat blocked his car.

The vehicle involved in the incident captured on closed-circuit television (CCTV) on the 19th. Provided by Seogwipo Police Station, Jeju. [Source=Yonhap News]

On the 30th, Jeju Seogwipo Police Station reported to Yonhap News that they have booked and are investigating a man in his 60s, Mr. A, on charges of violating the Animal Protection Act and the Firearms, Knives, and Explosives Safety Control Act. On the morning of the 19th at around 7:10 AM, Mr. A shot and killed a stray cat with an air gun on a road in Seogwipo City, Jeju, and then drove away.

Air gun used by Mr. A in the crime. [Photo by Seogwipo Police Station]

At that early hour, police responded to a report from a startled resident who heard multiple gunshots and collected the cat’s carcass. Through an autopsy, the police confirmed a bullet lodged in the cat’s neck area, and by analyzing firearm export records and nearby CCTV footage, they apprehended the suspect, Mr. A.

Police investigation revealed that Mr. A was licensed to possess firearms and had been engaged almost daily in capturing harmful birds such as magpies and crows. It was confirmed that on that day as well, he took out the air gun stored at the police station, claiming he was going to capture harmful birds.

Mr. A told the police, "While driving to capture harmful birds, a cat blocked the road, so I honked the horn, but when it did not move, I got angry and shot." The police booked Mr. A on charges of using the firearm beyond the permitted purpose. They received a written statement from Mr. A relinquishing ownership of the firearm and plan to dispose of both firearms he owns.

On the 19th, kittens remained at the spot where a stray cat was shot and killed with an air rifle. [Photo by Animal Protection Group Hondidorang]

Meanwhile, under the Firearms and Explosives Control Act, individuals may exceptionally possess hunting and shooting firearms with police permission, and this possession permit must be renewed every three years. Additionally, those licensed to possess firearms must store firearms, live ammunition, and blanks at designated places such as police stations.

According to the National Police Agency, the total number of legally licensed firearms in South Korea last year was 113,424, a 2.4% decrease compared to the previous year. The total number of firearm incidents last year, including both legal and illegal firearms, was nine, one fewer than the previous year.

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