Community Guidelines

MISSION AND VALUES

The Feline Guardians Guidelines

Feline Guardians advocates for anti-cruelty laws in China and beyond. Built through the support of a global community, we are transitioning from a grassroots movement to an officially registered nonprofit while remaining committed to the values that define our mission.

As administrators of Feline Guardians’ central operations, we don’t claim sole control over the brand. The Feline Guardians name may be used by anyone dedicated to ending cat cruelty, provided they follow our established guidelines. These standards ensure our platforms remain safe, respectful, and mission-focused. We have a responsibility to the cats we serve to protect the integrity and reputation built through years of dedication.

We respectfully ask that anyone using the Feline Guardians name and brand do so in accordance with these standards.

Respectful Conduct

Respect for Others

We are a diverse community united by a single cause. Treat all members, volunteers, and partners with dignity and respect.

Treat all individuals with courtesy and respect, whether on internal or external platforms. Disagreements should be addressed privately, and conflicts must be resolved without public confrontation.

ZERO TOLERANCE

Hate Speech & Discrimination

We strictly prohibit any form of hate speech, racism, or discrimination.

Comments that target any ethnicity, nationality, or specific community are strictly prohibited. For example, negative comments or generalizations about China or Chinese people will not be tolerated.

Violent & Abusive Language

Any form of violent speech, threats, or harassment is prohibited.

This includes language directed at abusers or detractors.

Content Guidelines

Graphic or explicit material, including disturbing images or descriptions of abuse, should not be shared. Even if blurred, such content is harmful and can deter engagement with our cause. Always minimize descriptions of abuse and focus on advocacy for animal protection. Sharing this content only traumatizes the public and makes people disengage from the cause.

Never share sensitive information about torture groups such as group names, links, usernames, or other information that could serve as “free advertising” for torturers. Make sure you censor any images that may include this information.

As Feline Guardians, our primary mission is to advocate for the safety and well-being of cats. While we deeply respect and appreciate other animal welfare causes, we ask that you refrain from using the Feline Guardians name or branding to promote initiatives related to animals outside of our focus. Advocacy for other causes is better suited for personal accounts that do not use the Feline Guardians name or brand.

Authority & Representation

  • Donations: Collecting donations on behalf of Feline Guardians without the necessary certifications and reporting procedures in place may result in complicated legal consequences. Please refrain from soliciting donations on behalf of Feline Guardians. If you would like financial support for an activity, please contact the main account for information. Supporters can, of course, raise money for any cause as long as it is not done using the Feline Guardians name or branding.
  • Representation: To help us communicate clearly and accurately, public representation of Feline Guardians is limited to registered and authorized volunteers or employees. If you’re unsure whether you’re authorized, please check before representing the organization.
  • Media & External Engagement: Any inquiries from media, law enforcement, or political representatives should be referred directly to Feline Guardians’ official communication channels to ensure our messaging is clear and consistent. Please do not engage with external parties independently on Feline Guardians’ behalf.

Safety & Investigations

Confidentiality

Do not share names or identifying information about abusers unless this information has been officially released by the media or their country’s government, or authorized by Feline Guardians headquarters. This rule protects both the integrity of our investigations and the safety of animals involved. It also protects wrongfully accused individuals from harassment.

Engagement

Do not contact or engage directly with suspected abusers. Any suspected abuse should be reported to Feline Guardians through the appropriate official channels or directly to law enforcement.

Torture Content

Do not share links, websites, or social media accounts related to animal torture. Sharing such content only amplifies harm and promotes abuse. If you come across such content, report it immediately.

Investigations

Do not attempt to go “undercover” in animal torture groups. Law enforcement professionals have advised against such actions by non-professionals, as they can often be counterproductive. In many cases, these efforts hinder the identification and prosecution of abusers and have also caused abusers to torture more often or with more violence. While there may be isolated instances of success, the majority of such actions only complicate investigations and make the situation worse. You can read more about our investigation process here.

Political Content & Discussions

Political Content

Feline Guardians is a non-political organization. Political discussions such as endorsing a political party/candidate or advocacy for political ideologies or legislation not tied directly to our cause are not permitted under our name. Our focus remains on advancing animal protections, and political content detracts from that mission.

Advocacy

While we encourage constructive discussions on animal rights, please ensure that your posts and communications do not carry political agendas.

Protests & Events

  • Event Approval: You do not need formal approval from Feline Guardians headquarters to organize events. You can inform us of your plans and, if desired, request assistance with promotion. Event guidelines are available and must be followed.
  • Respect Local Laws: Ensure that your event complies with all applicable local laws. It is your responsibility to secure any necessary permits or licenses prior to the event. Liability for the event remains with the organizers.
  • Graphic Material: No graphic or explicit images should be used on any posters, flyers, or other promotional materials for the event. This includes disturbing images or depictions of abuse, as such material can be traumatic and counterproductive to our mission.
Read the Full Event Guidelines

Enforcement

Failure to adhere to these guidelines may result in temporary or permanent suspension from the Feline Guardians community, depending on the severity of the violation. These guidelines are a living document and may be updated as needed to keep our community safe, respectful, and focused on our shared mission. We are open to feedback, so please contact us with questions or concerns, or to add something to the guidelines you feel was missed.