4 boys, under 14 years old, fatally hit & set fire to stray dog & puppies in China, case highlighted by national media

Four boys under 14 years old, who were seen abusing a mother dog and her puppies to death in Jieyang, Guangdong, China, have been sent to specialised education facilities.

According to Global Times, local authorities confirmed the case in a statement on Jun. 30.

Investigations were launched after videos of the boys violently abusing the dogs circulated on social media.

The boys were believed to have also filmed the acts themselves, including beating the stray dogs with sticks and setting the mother dog on fire.

In one video, the mother dog could be heard yelping in pain as three boys simultaneously hit her with a long stick.

The dogs reportedly passed away from the abuse.

Strengthening education for minors

The statement said local education authorities have ordered schools to strengthen education for the minors, Global Times reported.

Meanwhile, the parents or guardians of those involved have been urged to "fulfil their supervisory responsibilities".

The authorities also called on the public to stop spreading information related to the case as it involved minors, and urged them to refrain from cyberbullying.

Public outrage

The videos have sparked public outrage, with attention drawn to China's lack of animal cruelty laws.

According to CNA, China do not have a dedicated national law against animal cruelty.

This is despite growing calls from the public for proper legislation to protect animals.

Analysts told CNA that the legislative impasse has more to do with "competing economic interests and bureaucratic caution" than public sentiment.