Woman Investigated for Cruelty After Flushing 10 Hamsters

A woman in Taichung, Taiwan, is under investigation for animal cruelty after a disturbing video surfaced online. The video shows her allegedly flushing ten hamsters down a toilet, prompting outrage among animal welfare advocates and the general public.

The Taichung City Government reported that the footage was first shared on the social media platform Threads, where it was believed to have originated from the woman’s Instagram account, identified under the name “Sunny.” In the clip, the woman appears to place the hamsters into a plastic container before dumping them into the toilet, where they struggled before being flushed away.

The incident has drawn widespread condemnation, with many social media users labeling the act as blatant animal abuse. In response to the public outcry, the city’s Animal Protection Office announced that the case is being handled under the Animal Protection Act, which prohibits the harassment, abuse, or injury of animals.

According to Lin Ju-liang, Director of the Taichung Animal Protection Office, prosecutors have been asked to initiate a judicial investigation. Lin stated, “It is certain these hamsters were killed after being flushed down the toilet… I simply cannot comprehend what the perpetrator was thinking.” If convicted, the woman could face a prison term of up to two years and fines ranging from NT$200,000 to NT$2 million (approximately US$6,530 to US$65,296).

Animal welfare groups have also stepped in, filing formal complaints urging authorities to take decisive action in this case. Antony Ni, director of Animal Rescue Team Taiwan, expressed his anguish, saying, “We watched those ten hamsters struggle frantically in the water before being flushed away. It was extremely painful and heartbreaking to see.” He emphasized the importance of treating all animals with respect, regardless of their species, as they have a right to life.

Advocates for animal rights have pointed out that not only is it illegal to abuse animals, but filming and distributing such acts is also against the law, as outlined in the Animal Protection Act. In a joint statement, these groups expressed concern over the leniency of current penalties, stating, “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.”

The public outcry surrounding this incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding animal welfare in Taiwan, as advocates continue to call for amendments to strengthen punishments for such cruel acts. As the investigation unfolds, many await the outcome and hope for a resolution that reflects the severity of the crime.