Investigators Expose Global Cat Torture Network Operating with Impunity on Major Platforms

Investigators Expose Global Cat Torture Network Operating with Impunity on Major Platforms


Calls for Urgent Action from Tech Companies, Law Enforcement, and Chinese Authorities

An independent international team of investigators exposed a shocking global network of cat torturers. Brutal violence against cats is often live streamed or sold online for profit.

Key Facts:

  • The majority of torture content originates from China, but is widely distributed globally using Telegram, X, and other major platforms accessible to children worldwide.
  • There are no animal welfare laws in China to prevent torture, so abusers commit these brutal acts without fear of reprisal.
  • Over 10,000 pieces of torture media have been circulated since 2016, with a 500% spike in recent months.
  • Cats are often stolen pets, sometimes ransomed, and later killed on camera. Others are adopted from shelters under false pretences, or strays abducted off the street.
  • The torture group has an open group and a ‘core’ group which requires live-streaming an act of extreme torture against a cat or kitten, creating a system of initiation rooted in violence and cruelty.
  • People worldwide are active participants – watching, commenting, purchasing, and distributing content. Some have been reported to police.
  • The network actively recruits minors using coded language to radicalise new members and generate revenue through viral distribution and cryptocurrency payments.

Why This Matters:

  1. Thousands of defenceless animals are suffering in the absence of animal cruelty laws in China.
  2. Children are being exposed to these videos, resulting in psychological trauma and desensitisation to violence.
  3. The trend is growing rapidly, recruiting young people into violent online subcultures.
  4. Social media companies are failing to effectively remove this content from their platforms.

“This is not a niche issue – it is a widespread, international criminal network exploiting legal loopholes and platform inaction to commit and share torture,” said a lead UK investigator. “It is deeply disturbing that no coordinated government or platform response has yet emerged. These acts would be illegal in most civilised nations – yet they continue daily, visibly, and with shocking boldness. Given the shocking suffering these defenceless aimals are victim to, the traumatic impact of witnessing this content on children, and the known link between animal cruelty and violence against humans, we call tech companies, the UK government and Chinese government to take urgent action. ”

This is an urgent matter of public interest, animal welfare, and online safety. It requires serious attention now.