A woman has been referred to prosecutors on suspicion of animal cruelty after a video surfaced showing her flushing 10 hamsters down a toilet, the Taichung City Government said yesterday.
The incident sparked outrage after a clip circulated on the social media platform Threads, reportedly reposted from the woman’s Instagram account under the name “Sunny.” In the video, she allegedly filmed herself placing hamsters into a plastic container before dumping them into a toilet, where the animals were seen struggling before being flushed away.
The footage drew widespread condemnation online, with social media users denouncing the act as animal abuse and calling on the authorities to take action. The city’s Animal Protection Office said the case is being handled under the Animal Protection Act (動物保護法), which could result in prosecution.
Photo: Screen grab from a video posted on Threads
After receiving reports of the incident, Taichung Animal Protection Office Director Lin Ju-liang (林儒良) said that prosecutors have been asked to open a judicial investigation, adding that the law prohibits the harassment, abuse or injury of animals.
“It is certain these hamsters were killed after being flushed down the toilet... I simply cannot comprehend what the perpetrator was thinking,” Lin said.
If convicted, the woman could face a prison term of up to two years, as well as a fine ranging from NT$200,000 to NT$2 million (US$6,530 to US$65,296), he said.
Animal welfare groups have also filed complaints urging the authorities to pursue the case.
“We watched those 10 hamsters struggle frantically in the water before being flushed away. It was extremely painful and heartbreaking to see,” Animal Rescue Team Taiwan director Antony Ni (倪京台) said.
“People must treat all animals with respect, no matter what the species, because they have the right to life. We cannot condone such actions,” he said.
Other animal rights advocates said that it is not only illegal to abuse animals, but it is also illegal to film and distribute such acts, as stipulated under the act.
“It is clear that the woman abused the hamsters, which is punishable by fines and other penalties. Filming and distributing the video also contravenes the law, but current penalties for such offenses are too lenient and lack deterrent effect,” animal welfare groups said in a joint statement. “We are calling for amendments to strengthen punishments.”
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