"Broke In Out of Anger After Being Scratched": Man in His 20s Gets Suspended Sentence for Killing Ex-Girlfriend's Cat

A man in his 20s who broke into his ex-girlfriend's home and killed her pet cat has been sentenced to a suspended prison term.

On April 26, the Criminal Division 13 of Suwon District Court (Judge Park Kibum) sentenced Mr. A, who was indicted on charges including violation of the Animal Protection Act, housebreaking, and property damage, to six months in prison, suspended for two years, along with 80 hours of community service.

The Asia Business Daily DB

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The court stated, "Considering the circumstances, details, and methods of the crime, the nature of the offense is quite egregious, and it appears the victim has suffered significant emotional pain and shock." The court added, "The fact that the defendant has not been forgiven by the victim is a disadvantageous factor for the defendant."

However, the court explained the sentencing decision by stating, "The defendant's remorse and the fact that this is his first offense were taken into account as favorable factors."

Mr. A was accused of secretly entering Ms. B's residence in Cheoin-gu, Yongin, Gyeonggi Province at around 3:05 p.m. on August 23 last year, and repeatedly beating and throwing the cat.

According to the investigation, Mr. A committed the crime because he was angry after being scratched by the cat. He reportedly took the cat to the bathroom sink to wash his own blood, but when the cat resisted, he assaulted it, ultimately causing its death.

Mr. A and Ms. B had dated for about six months before breaking up. After confirming that the house was empty, Mr. A entered by using the front door digital lock password that he already knew.

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