A distressing incident in southern China has raised serious concerns after a reported 1,120 cats released near a reservoir in a Buddhist “life-release” ceremony led to injuries and multiple deaths.
According to the South China Morning Post newspaper in Hong Kong, the incident occurred on 1 November at Yingzui Reservoir in the city of Qingyuan, in China’s Guangdong Province. On their release, the frightened cats scattered in all directions: some climbed trees while others jumped into the water. Paddleboarders in the reservoir who witnessed the chaos attempted to rescue exhausted cates struggling to swim.
“We went closer and saw people releasing cats from cages while filming,” said a local resident. “The cats all bolted out. Many were so frightened they ran straight into the water.
“We managed to save three cats. Some were still trying to swim toward deeper water, but we herded them back,” the resident added. (The South China Morning Post)
On the following day, 2 November, animal protection volunteers arrived to help the cats, many of which were found shivering, appearing sick and confused, while others had already died.
The South China Morning Post reported that the cats weighed a combined 2,722 kilograms, and that the total cost of the animals and their transportation was 30,997 yuan (US$4,400).
Video footage of the release was circulated online, showing people unloading cages of cats from two trucks.
Officials from the Qingcheng Branch of Qingyuan Public Security Bureau have stated that 10 people were involved in the incident.
“They were drawn to the beautiful natural scenery here and, with the intention of offering blessings, bought around 400 cats, weighing a total of 1,500 kilograms, and transported them to the reservoir,” the bureau was quoted as saying. “They also left behind large amounts of cat food.” (The South China Morning Post)
Despite the authorities’ assertion that there was no evidence of criminal behavior, their statement sparked outrage on Chinese social media.
“This is not a life release. It is mass animal abuse disguised as religion,” one person commented. (The South China Morning Post)
Similar life release activities have reportedly been performed on multiple occasions in the past, often resulting in suffering for the animals. In August 2023, numerous dead and sick cats were found in the same area following a similar large-scale release.
Traditional Buddhist “life release” involves freeing animals, such as such as fish, turtles, or birds, and is believed to generate spiritual merit and demonstrate compassion. However, the practice has faced growing criticism in recent years because of concerns that many people do not take into account the natural habitats of the animals they are freeing, or the impact on the environment receiving the freed animals.
The latest incident has reignited debate, with many people on social media condemning the act as cruelty masked as a religious ritual.
“You dump cats into a reservoir and call it a blessing ritual? What kind of karma are you trying to reverse with this level of cruelty?” one social media user posted. (The South China Morning Post)
Another user questioned: “Where did they get so many cats? Were they stolen?” (The South China Morning Post)
See more
Public outrage in China over release of 1,100 cats into reservoir in ‘life release’ ritual (The South China Morning Post)
Outrage after China dumped over 1,100 cats in water reservoir, many died (Money Control)
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