A dog owner in China has taught herself law in a landmark bid to bring the man who poisoned her pet dog to death to justice. - Photo: SCMP composite/Xiaohongshu
BEIJING: A woman in China who studied law for 700 days after her pet dog was poisoned to death is hoping her hard work can help send the culprit to jail.
The case is the first time pet poisoning has become the subject of criminal proceedings in Beijing.
Previously, suspects faced financial sanctions or short detentions as China does not have a dedicated pet protection law.
Li Yihan’s pet dog Papi, a white West Highland Terrier, was like family to her.
On September 14, 2022, the animal was among a number of dogs and cats that were poisoned in the nation’s capital.
Li told the mainland media outlet Youth36kr that 13-year-old Papi suffered for more than seven hours before passing away.
Police revealed that a 65-year-old man, surnamed Zhang, had scattered rat poison-laced chicken in a children’s playground.
Zhang claimed he did so to retaliate against dogs that had urinated on his tricycle.
There have been many reports of pet poisoning in China.
On September 3, two men who poisoned a dog in Beijing were given 12 days of administrative detention. Also, a Border Collie was poisoned to death in July in the northern province of Hebei, the culprit paid its owner 3,000 yuan (US$430).
Li believes that the value of a pet cannot be measured in monetary terms and wants Zhang jailed.
In September 2022, Li quit her job, bought law books to study and worked with lawyers to collect evidence.
She also posted case updates on social media, attracting 55,000 followers on Douyin.
In February last year, she filed a lawsuit against Zhang and is seeking compensation for the medical expenses incurred and emotional damage.
In China, if a poisoning causes more than 200,000 yuan (US$28,000) in damage, the perpetrator can face life in prison.
Zhang’s trial has dragged on for nearly two years because of the difficulty in assesssing the value of the victimised pets.
At the time of writing, Li and the families of the other 10 affected dogs are still awaiting the verdict. The deadline for a verdict in the case has been pushed back to December 17.
Li said she is prepared for the possibility that the final verdict may not satisfy her, and will appeal.
She told Youth36kr: “The longest sentence I’ve seen in a pet poisoning case in China is three years and seven months. My friend told me that if Zhang could get at least four years, this would be my win.”
“I hope other pet owners can be brave enough to speak up for their pets.”
Li’s fight for justice has touched many people on mainland social media.
One online observer said: “Stay strong, Li. I support you. Pets are like family, and Zhang must be held accountable for the killings.”
While another said: “Even though I don’t have pets, I admire your courage and intelligence. I hope you get a just verdict.” - South China Morning Post
