From June to August 2006, the Neihu 'catkiller Feitianmao' online cat abuse case unfolded in Taipei, Taiwan. Public records say an online user using the name 'catkiller Feitianmao' posted text and images on a cat forum describing abuse of a roughly two-month-old kitten. Cat advocates on both sides of the Taiwan Strait traced clues, contacted police, and media outlets reported the case. Taipei animal-health authorities fined Fang Shangwen NT$50,000 under the Animal Protection Act then in force. The case became an important catalyst in Taiwanese debate over criminalising animal abuse; 2007 amendments to the Animal Protection Act placed severe intentional abuse and injury into a clearer punishment framework.

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From online posts to real-world investigation

The case began with online text and photos. Public records say the poster used provocative language, described harm to a young cat, and claimed the law could not touch him. Internet users traced IP and photo-background clues, contacted police, and the media followed.

Penalty and legal gaps

At the time, Taiwan's criminal framework for animal abuse was limited, and police action was constrained by search and offence boundaries. Taipei animal-health authorities issued a NT$50,000 fine under the Animal Protection Act. The kitten's final whereabouts remained unknown.

Impact on animal-protection law

The case became a key point in Taiwanese animal-protection debate. In 2007, amendments to the Animal Protection Act placed severe intentional abuse, serious injury and death into a clearer fine and criminal-liability framework.

Why this is recorded

This case shows that images are not neutral: they can document harm, and abusers can also use them to boast. This archive does not reproduce abuse images; it records the online evidence trail, public response, administrative penalty and legal change.

Timeline

• June 25, 2006: A user called 'catkiller Feitianmao' posted text and photos describing cat abuse.
• July 2006: Internet users traced clues and contacted police; Taiwanese media reported the case.
• August 2006: Fang Shangwen was publicly reported and interviewed; animal-health authorities issued a NT$50,000 fine.
• 2007: Taiwan amended the Animal Protection Act, creating a clearer punishment framework for severe animal abuse.

Public sources

• Public case summary: Neihu cat abuse case