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A woman in China, Li Yihan, has dedicated over 700 days studying law in hopes of bringing justice after her dog was poisoned to death. This is Beijing’s first criminal case involving pet poisoning, marking a significant moment in the country's legal history.
Li’s beloved 13-year-old West Highland Terrier, Papi, was poisoned in a children's playground in Beijing on September 14, 2022. Papi, alongside other pets, suffered for seven hours before passing away. The culprit, a 65-year-old man named Zhang, confessed to scattering rat poison-laced chicken in retaliation against dogs urinating on his tricycle.
Pet poisoning is not uncommon in China. For instance, two men were briefly detained for poisoning a dog in Beijing, and in another case, a dog owner received 3,000 yuan in compensation after losing their pet in Hebei province.
Li, heartbroken over Papi's death, quit her job and began studying law. Determined to bring Zhang to justice, she collaborated with lawyers, gathered evidence, and shared updates on social media, gaining 55,000 followers on Douyin. In February 2023, she filed a lawsuit seeking compensation for medical costs and emotional distress.
Although China's legal system allows for severe punishment if poisoning results in damages exceeding 200,000 yuan (US$28,000), Zhang’s trial has been delayed for nearly two years. At present, Li and the other families impacted are still waiting for the verdict, which has been postponed until December 17.
Despite the long wait, Li remains committed to fighting for a fair outcome. "If Zhang receives at least four years, that will be my victory," she said, hoping her story encourages other pet owners to stand up for their companions. Netizens have voiced their support, praising Li’s courage and persistence.
Source: SCMP
