National Taiwan University (NTU) on Monday announced censures for a student from Macau for his involvement in a cat abuse case that stirred widespread public outrage.
The student, surnamed Chen (陳), was given two major demerits and two minor demerits after the Student Disciplinary Committee met to discuss the case, university secretary-general Lin Ta-te (林達德) said.
He said such a punishment was tantamount to placing Chen on probation, under which he could be expelled if he commits another mistake in the future.
Chen was found to have tortured and killed a stray cat named “Big Orange” near the school late last month.
The incident caused widespread anger, with more than 14,000 netizens endorsing a petition demanding that the university expel the student.
On Monday, Chen issued a statement through the university to admit his mistake and apologize to the public.
Chen said he felt guilty for hurting a weak creature simply because he lost control emotionally.
He begged for the forgiveness of residents in the neighborhood and said he hoped that the incident would draw the public’s attention to the safety of stray animals so that they can receive better care.
He said he would accept the punishment handed down by the school and the judicial system and would engage in volunteer activities in the future to make up for his mistake.
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