Outrage in China as 1,100 Cats “Released” Into Reservoir in Guangdong Turns Into Tragedy
Chinese netizens are expressing outrage after a viral video showed more than 1,100 cats being herded into a water reservoir in Guangdong Province during a so-called “mercy release” ritual that quickly turned into a mass tragedy.
A Ritual of “Compassion” Becomes a Nightmare
According to a November 9 report by the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the incident took place on November 1 at the Yingzui Reservoir in Qingyuan, Guangdong.
In the footage circulating online, two large trucks carrying metal cages filled with over 1,100 cats — weighing a total of about 2.7 tons — stopped near the edge of the reservoir. A group of masked individuals opened the cages and drove the frightened animals into the forested area by the water.
As the cages were opened, many cats panicked — some climbed trees, others leapt directly into the water in fear. Paddleboarders nearby tried to rescue several exhausted cats struggling in the lake.
“We were paddling when we suddenly saw cats everywhere,” one witness told local media. “Some people were filming as they released them. Many cats were so terrified they jumped straight into the water.”
The witness said their group managed to save three cats, but many others drowned.
The Tradition Behind the Tragedy
“Fangsheng,” or mercy release, is a Buddhist practice in which living creatures are released into nature as an act of compassion to gain merit or blessings. However, this incident has reignited debate about the modern misuse of the ritual — especially when it causes severe harm to animals and ecosystems.
Rescue Came Too Late
Animal rescue volunteers arrived at the scene the following morning, on November 2, but by then many cats were already dead or near exhaustion.
Police in Qingyuan stated that ten people took part in the ritual and confirmed that about 400 cats were released — a figure many witnesses say is far below the actual number seen.
In their official statement, authorities claimed the group showed “no signs of criminal intent,” saying the participants “conducted the release ritual for blessings, not to harm the animals.”
Public Outrage and Growing Doubts
The police’s response has only intensified public anger on Chinese social media. Many questioned where such a massive number of cats came from, suspecting that they may have been stolen pets.
Others condemned the act being labeled as “mercy,” arguing that driving terrified cats into a lake was closer to torture than compassion.
Thousands of comments online denounced the event as animal cruelty disguised as faith, insisting that this was not a genuine religious ceremony but a perversion of Buddhist values.
Notably, this is not the first such incident at the Yingzui Reservoir. In August 2023, dozens of cats also drowned following a similar “release” ritual.
Calls for Action
Animal welfare organizations are urging Chinese authorities to strengthen regulations on “fangsheng” activities and to promote public awareness that true compassion cannot coexist with cruelty.
