{"id":16855,"date":"2025-05-31T11:39:48","date_gmt":"2025-05-31T11:39:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/digitaltradecenter.com\/index.php\/2025\/05\/31\/the-secret-war-between-cat-lovers-and-the-abusers-who-profit-from-cruelty\/"},"modified":"2025-05-31T11:39:48","modified_gmt":"2025-05-31T11:39:48","slug":"the-secret-war-between-cat-lovers-and-the-abusers-who-profit-from-cruelty","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/digitaltradecenter.com\/index.php\/2025\/05\/31\/the-secret-war-between-cat-lovers-and-the-abusers-who-profit-from-cruelty\/","title":{"rendered":"The secret war between cat lovers and the abusers who profit from cruelty"},"content":{"rendered":"<p data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/editor-note\/instances\/cm8g4n5ad00023b6m71fualyc@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"editor-note\" class=\"editor-note vossi-editor-note inline-placeholder \" data-article-gutter=\"true\">    <em>Editor\u2019s Note: This story contains graphic images and descriptions of violence.<\/em><\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8edfujv003v2cm9b4dxdcn0@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            Every night after returning home from work, Chen opens his laptop and switches to his secret life as an undercover activist.    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8g4qrl600073b6mdr6ipnk5@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            From his bedroom in eastern China, he spends hours witnessing scenes too graphic for a horror movie and trying to befriend people who would be his sworn enemies in real life.    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8g4qrl600083b6m9c7q73ag@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            Chen \u2013 a pseudonym to protect his real identity \u2013 is part of a team of internet sleuths whose mission is to shut down a shadowy global network that mutilates and kills cats for profit.    <\/p>\n<div data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/interactive-video\/instances\/cm8efggqw00033b6m6ur3yg0a@published\" class=\"interactive-video\" data-component-name=\"interactive-video\" data-editable=\"settings\">\n<div class=\"interactive-video__container\">            <video class=\"interactive-video__player\" muted=\"\" autoplay=\"\" playsinline=\"\"><\/video>        <\/div>\n<div class=\"interactive-video__metadata\">\n<div class=\"interactive-video__caption\">                    <span data-editable=\"metaCaption\" class=\"inline-placeholder\">Torturers are treated like \u201ccelebrities\u201d in the groups when they carry out a brutal killing of a cat.<\/span><figcaption class=\"interactive-video__credit\">Telegram<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8g4qrl6000b3b6maie48jot@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            \u201cIt\u2019s become a pretty international phenomenon,\u201d said Jenny Edwards, a criminologist and specialist in animal sexual abuse, based in Seattle. \u201cIt is happening much more often than people realize.\u201d    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8g4qrl6000c3b6mkcuj4hn2@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            Activists say many of the cat torturers are based in China, where there are no laws against animal cruelty. Protected by an apparent culture of impunity, they make videos for consumers around the world \u2013 including in the United States, UK, Turkey and Japan.    <\/p>\n<h2 class=\"subheader inline-placeholder subheader vossi-subheader vossi-subheader--size-h2\" data-editable=\"text\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/subheader\/instances\/cm8g4rvef000g3b6mrl6zryj1@published\" data-component-name=\"subheader\" id=\"undercover-with-the-cat-torturers\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">        Undercover with the cat torturers<\/h2>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8g4sqlv000l3b6m04d8tir6@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            The chat groups provide a snapshot of an underworld where torture is trivialized and celebrated as if it\u2019s part of a video game.    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8g4sqlv000m3b6m8fuq38bs@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            A culture of competition has also developed among members to suggest the most inventive style of abuse \u2013 while creating heroes out of the perpetrators.    <\/p>\n<div data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/interactive-video\/instances\/cm8efr3ol00013b6mijgymmjj@published\" class=\"interactive-video\" data-component-name=\"interactive-video\" data-editable=\"settings\">\n<div class=\"interactive-video__container\">            <video class=\"interactive-video__player\" muted=\"\" autoplay=\"\" playsinline=\"\"><\/video>        <\/div>\n<div class=\"interactive-video__metadata\">\n<div class=\"interactive-video__caption\">                    <span data-editable=\"metaCaption\" class=\"inline-placeholder\">Users discuss torture methods, price and payment methods within the Telegram groups.<\/span><figcaption class=\"interactive-video__credit\">Telegram<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8g4sqlv000o3b6m4t60vem1@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            Chen was in similar groups. For years, he\u2019s been watching gruesome videos and befriending torturers to gather enough information to track them down.    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8g4sqlv000p3b6mlskwu6ms@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            He\u2019s part of an alliance of activists called Feline Guardians, who hope that drawing attention to the issue will pressure law enforcement globally to take more action \u2013 particularly in China.    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8g4sqlv000q3b6m7urtz2cc@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            \u201cChina is now experiencing a wave of cat abuse, from elementary school students all the way to the elderly participating in it,\u201d Chen said.    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8g4sqlv000r3b6mkw20deyg@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            Chen says the number of people involved in Chinese-based networks is \u201cgrowing larger and larger,\u201d and include foreigners outside the country.    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8g4sqlv000s3b6maqa2313c@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            Data gathered by Feline Guardians showed a 500% increase in new torture videos added to the Chinese Telegram groups they monitor between June 2024 and February 2025 \u2013 with a new video being uploaded on average around every 2.5 hours. In the first two months of this year, more than 500 new torture videos have been uploaded, with most coming from previously unknown abusers.    <\/p>\n<div data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/graphic\/instances\/cm8hm5sew00063b6moo8zhtn6@published\" data-component-name=\"graphic\" class=\"graphic\">\n<div id=\"graphic-PPjoe\" class=\"graphic__chart-anchor\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"subheader inline-placeholder subheader vossi-subheader vossi-subheader--size-h2\" data-editable=\"text\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/subheader\/instances\/cm8g4tb9g000v3b6m4g4ukggv@published\" data-component-name=\"subheader\" id=\"they-are-treated-like-celebrities\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">        \u2018They are treated like celebrities\u2019<\/h2>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8g4se7m000j3b6mw0tg6m62@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            More than 5,000 miles away from Chen in London, Feline Guardians activist Lara has been monitoring the global spread of this content.    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8g4ugwq00103b6m6c0su21d@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            \u201cIt starts off in China, and then you have people who mimic these videos from elsewhere, (and) we have children who are exposed to this,\u201d said Lara, who asked to only use her first name to avoid online retribution.    <\/p>\n<aside data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/pull-quote\/instances\/cm8g65d7o004n3b6m3879ff4t@published\" data-component-name=\"pull-quote\" data-article-gutter=\"true\" class=\"pull-quote inline-placeholder\">\n<div class=\"pull-quote__section\">\n<div>\n<p class=\"pull-quote__text inline-placeholder\" data-editable=\"text\">                    There is a drive with not only being able to get the satisfaction of torturing horrifically cats, but also the feedback and the notoriety that they receive                <\/p>\n<p class=\"pull-quote__attribution inline-placeholder\" data-editable=\"attribution\">                    Lara, Feline Guardians activist                <\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8g4ugwq00113b6m6fc7jvhy@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            When Lara first learned about the trade in cat torture, she said her reaction was \u201csurely this must be embellished.\u201d But very quickly, she had her eyes opened to the extent of this dark subculture.    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8g4ugwq00123b6mwlbx9vm7@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            \u201cThey are treated like celebrities,\u201d Lara said. \u201cSo, there is a drive with not only being able to get the satisfaction of torturing horrifically cats, but also the feedback and the notoriety that they receive.\u201d    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8g4ugwq00133b6m20ut3tzx@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            Lara and Chen, along with their fellow activists, keep in constant contact despite most of them having day jobs \u2013 often staying up all night across different time zones as they try to track down the torturers.    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8g4ugwq00143b6mr5o078v0@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            Their detective work involves combing through every frame of the footage, examining the background for clues on location or identity, and trying to glean information from their bank details if they are selling their content online.    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8g4ugwq00153b6mb1ytognt@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            \u201cThrough repeatedly watching it, we can roughly determine some details about their life,\u201d Chen said. \u201c(Then) we can conduct some investigations locally.\u201d    <\/p>\n<aside data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/pull-quote\/instances\/cm8g691d7004s3b6mew6rmic3@published\" data-component-name=\"pull-quote\" data-article-gutter=\"true\" class=\"pull-quote inline-placeholder\">\n<div class=\"pull-quote__section\">\n<div>\n<p class=\"pull-quote__text inline-placeholder\" data-editable=\"text\">                    Most core groups require recording a video that volunteers can\u2019t do &#8211; that is, taking a cat from being full of life and torturing it to death                <\/p>\n<p class=\"pull-quote__attribution inline-placeholder\" data-editable=\"attribution\">                    Chen, one of a group of internet sleuths whose mission is to shut down a shadowy global network that mutilates and kills cats for profit                <\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8g4ugwq00163b6mghl6dc96@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            When they think they are closing the net, they also conduct interviews with local people and neighbors, in case they witnessed or overheard anything that could be used as evidence.    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8g4ugwq00173b6myx0xk5dm@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            Chen often poses as a zoosadist, who is trying to buy torture material, to gain the trust of fellow members. But some groups also demand complicity as their entry criteria.    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8g4ugwq00183b6mrd5k3fzg@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            \u201cMost core groups require recording a video that volunteers can\u2019t do \u2013 that is, taking a cat from being full of life and torturing it to death,\u201d Chen said.    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8g4ugwq00193b6m9ktxucnv@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            Still, in the past few years, he has managed to delve so deep within Chinese torture networks that he\u2019s exposed the identities of more than a dozen perpetrators.    <\/p>\n<h2 class=\"subheader inline-placeholder subheader vossi-subheader vossi-subheader--size-h2\" data-editable=\"text\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/subheader\/instances\/cm8g4umfp001b3b6md9ei5l4l@published\" data-component-name=\"subheader\" id=\"torture-to-order\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">        Torture to order<\/h2>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8g4ufff000y3b6mo6u2njpq@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            Entering the disturbing world of these networks exposes an entire subculture with its own terminology and hierarchical structure.    <\/p>\n<div data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/interactive-video\/instances\/cm8efrpxj00033b6m0959oz17@published\" class=\"interactive-video\" data-component-name=\"interactive-video\" data-editable=\"settings\">\n<div class=\"interactive-video__container\">            <video class=\"interactive-video__player\" muted=\"\" autoplay=\"\" playsinline=\"\"><\/video>        <\/div>\n<div class=\"interactive-video__metadata\">\n<div class=\"interactive-video__caption\">                    <span data-editable=\"metaCaption\" class=\"inline-placeholder\">Ads are posted in the Telegram groups offering cats for custom torture to order for around $1,300.<\/span><figcaption class=\"interactive-video__credit\">Telegram<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8g4v7f8001h3b6m8j0owykj@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            Once inside dedicated chat rooms, creators were also sometimes called \u201ccat deleters\u201d or \u201cmasters\u201d and the consumers who paid for the videos were known as \u201csponsors.\u201d    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8g4v7f8001i3b6mbwo0hdgl@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            Collectively, they appear to view themselves as vigilantes who aim to get rid of all \u201cevil cats\u201d \u2013 possibly also to provide a falsified sense of justification for their crimes.    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8g4v7f8001j3b6mj5jpxucu@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            The creators even advertise specific cats for \u201ctorture to order\u201d which enables buyers to select the animal, the tools and tactics of their death \u2013 all for a price.    <\/p>\n<aside data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/pull-quote\/instances\/cm8g5w4dw004b3b6m6wzgsq65@published\" data-component-name=\"pull-quote\" data-article-gutter=\"true\" class=\"pull-quote inline-placeholder\">\n<div class=\"pull-quote__section\">\n<div>\n<p class=\"pull-quote__text inline-placeholder\" data-editable=\"text\">                    These videos show cats being burnt alive, they have been liquefied in blenders                <\/p>\n<p class=\"pull-quote__attribution inline-placeholder\" data-editable=\"attribution\">                    Lara, Feline Guardians activist                <\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8g4v7f8001k3b6mn07eo8it@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            Promotional posters are shared showing a photo, name and age of the cat, along with their \u201cshelf life,\u201d indicating the date they plan to kill them. The \u201csponsors\u201d are urged to \u201ccontact customer service\u201d to receive a quote.    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8g4v7f8001l3b6methgh1nd@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            \u201cThere is a sadistic and twisted mindset for these torturers where they try to elongate the torture as long as possible,\u201d said Lara.    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8g4v7f8001m3b6mny1qthn3@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            \u201cThese videos show cats being burnt alive, they have been liquefied in blenders,\u201d Lara said. \u201cThere have been cases of cats being dismembered and their guts being pulled out and stretched.\u201d    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8g4v7f8001n3b6ml3uhszci@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            The suffering of the animals is also turned into searchable terms \u2013 including \u201cT-Rex\u201d for cats that have had their front legs cut off and can only stand on their back legs.    <\/p>\n<h2 class=\"subheader inline-placeholder subheader vossi-subheader vossi-subheader--size-h2\" data-editable=\"text\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/subheader\/instances\/cm8g4vi5z001p3b6mhzyfjwuc@published\" data-component-name=\"subheader\" id=\"a-fetish-i-cant-quit\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">        A \u2018fetish I can\u2019t quit\u2019<\/h2>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8g4uy3a001e3b6muh6abhon@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            A Chinese consumer who regularly pays for this sort of gratuitously violent content admits that it gives him a sexual thrill.    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8g4w9bm001v3b6mwu6ptgrg@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            A married man in his mid-twenties, Zhang said he first started watching animal torture videos when he was a teenager, after he saw a report about it on the news.    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8g4w9bm001w3b6mlll1n3u2@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            \u201cIt\u2019s just this fetish that I can\u2019t quit,\u201d Zhang said. \u201cThis is much harder to quit than cigarettes.\u201d    <\/p>\n<div data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/interactive-video\/instances\/cm8effy8500013b6maoxbjjqo@published\" class=\"interactive-video\" data-component-name=\"interactive-video\" data-editable=\"settings\">\n<div class=\"interactive-video__container\">            <video class=\"interactive-video__player\" muted=\"\" autoplay=\"\" playsinline=\"\"><\/video>        <\/div>\n<div class=\"interactive-video__metadata\">\n<div class=\"interactive-video__caption\">                    <span data-editable=\"metaCaption\" class=\"inline-placeholder\">Experts say the consumers are driven by psychopathic behavior and a fetish for sexual sadism.<\/span><figcaption class=\"interactive-video__credit\">CNN<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8g4w9bm001x3b6muhoq3597@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            So far, Zhang has spent thousands of dollars buying cat torture videos through the networks, which can cost from a few dollars to $50 each.    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8g4w9bm001y3b6ml5puxn8l@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            He added that his wife \u201cdoesn\u2019t know about this thing,\u201d and would likely divorce him if she did.    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8g4w9bm001z3b6mdlrmcp28@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            Zhang says he can\u2019t afford to order the custom videos that are set at a much higher price, often over $1,300. But he says the other members are usually \u201crich people,\u201d who he claims include officials, programmers and managers, some of whom share WeChat IDs showing their name, company or government department.    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8g4w9bm00203b6m7m9ubege@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            Zhang says in the outside world, he is \u201cquite normal\u201d and would never personally hurt an animal \u2013 and even keeps rescued cats and dogs as pets at home.    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8g4w9bm00213b6moaepd2l2@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            But he admits that he enjoys watching women torture cats, especially if they crush them with high heels.    <\/p>\n<aside data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/pull-quote\/instances\/cm8g60f2k004e3b6m1149342i@published\" data-component-name=\"pull-quote\" data-article-gutter=\"true\" class=\"pull-quote inline-placeholder\">\n<div class=\"pull-quote__section\">\n<div>\n<p class=\"pull-quote__text inline-placeholder\" data-editable=\"text\">                    They\u2019ve said that they\u2019ll come and skin my dog, they\u2019re going to kill my pets and family                <\/p>\n<p class=\"pull-quote__attribution inline-placeholder\" data-editable=\"attribution\">                    Phaedra, US-based independent animal rights activist                <\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8g4w9bm00223b6mmgmxs8mb@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            Criminologist Jenny Edwards says the \u201cprimary driver\u201d of this fetish is sadism \u2013 a \u201csexual deviance\u201d which is \u201cgetting sexual arousal from watching these (videos) or feeling the pain of discomfort and humiliation of seeing another being suffering.\u201d    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8g4w9bm00233b6mkuvteduc@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            \u201cIt\u2019s part of antisocial, psychopathic behavior,\u201d Edwards added.    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8g4w9bm00243b6mtv2h65z5@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            She says zoosadists often hide their proclivities from their families and friends.    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8g4w9bm00253b6mjkbk9fwg@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            \u201cThey are leading a double life, because they have this whole other life that they completely keep separate from everything else that they\u2019re doing,\u201d Edwards said.    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8g4w9bm00263b6m7qwufid5@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            Some have threatened physical violence against activists who try to expose their secret lives.    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8g4w9bm00273b6ml4gu4umk@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            Phaedra, a US-based independent animal rights activist who asked to go only by her first name, said she was doxxed \u2013 the process of revealing someone\u2019s real identity \u2013 and targeted by anonymous accounts, after highlighting graphic torture content on X to prompt censors to take them down.    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8g4w9bm00283b6m2tcftc56@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            Phaedra says she also tried to alert Chinese and US officials.    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8g4w9bm00293b6mpvdfddha@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            As revenge, some of the abusers used Phaedra\u2019s photograph from her X account to create deepfake pornography of her \u2013 and one even used a photo of her as a child alongside dead cats and a sign that read \u201cI\u2019m coming for you Phaedra.\u201d    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8g4w9bm002a3b6mbk9l19gv@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            \u201cThey\u2019ve said that they\u2019ll come and skin my dog, they\u2019re going to kill my pets and family,\u201d Phaedra said.    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8g4w9bm002b3b6m0387p68c@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            In December 2024, she also received death and rape threats via X.    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8g4w9bm002c3b6mckwgik6k@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            At one point, she was terrified \u2013 thinking they\u2019d find out where she lived and come through her bedroom window \u2013 but added that she\u2019s \u201cnot afraid of them anymore.\u201d    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8g4w9bm002d3b6mdrt0pol6@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            Chen, the undercover volunteer, said most people he encounters in the groups are lonely men who feel left behind by society, which suggests they are also searching for connection within these groups \u2013 bonded by their unspeakable hobby.    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8g4w9bm002e3b6m08aw72rv@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            He described them as \u201cincels\u201d \u2013 involuntary celibates \u2013 who feel rejected by women and therefore get sexual pleasure from hurting an animal that most women love.    <\/p>\n<aside data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/pull-quote\/instances\/cm8g62mih004h3b6mc5kmrh9m@published\" data-component-name=\"pull-quote\" data-article-gutter=\"true\" class=\"pull-quote inline-placeholder\">\n<div class=\"pull-quote__section\">\n<div>\n<p class=\"pull-quote__text inline-placeholder\" data-editable=\"text\">                    They\u2019re becoming more elaborate with what they\u2019re doing, and far more methodical                <\/p>\n<p class=\"pull-quote__attribution inline-placeholder\" data-editable=\"attribution\">                    Lara, Feline Guardians activist                <\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8g4w9bm002f3b6mwj7gr3rx@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            Activists say some consumers are also drawn to this content because the screams of a cat sound similar to those of women, or children \u2013 prompting fears that the behaviors in this online underworld could develop into the abuse of humans.    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8g4w9bm002g3b6m2zvsb4en@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            \u201cThey\u2019re becoming more elaborate with what they\u2019re doing, and far more methodical,\u201d Lara from Feline Guardians said. \u201cThis will only get worse.\u201d    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8g4w9bm002h3b6m5kjqh0gf@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            For example, Chen said in 2024, a sickening mission emerged to target an app called \u201cStreet Cat,\u201d which livestreams stray cats or those in shelters for cat enthusiasts to watch.    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8g4w9bm002j3b6m7ldveyev@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            In the US, Feline Guardians also found evidence of a crossover between cat torture and neo-Nazi groups, including one private Telegram group called \u201cThe Eternal Reich\u201d with more than 600 members, which mixed torture content with videos of abuse against women and posts on far-right ideology.    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8g4w9bm002k3b6mhlx0wh4f@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            One member posted a photo of himself holding two dead cats in front of an American flag.    <\/p>\n<h2 class=\"subheader inline-placeholder subheader vossi-subheader vossi-subheader--size-h2\" data-editable=\"text\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/subheader\/instances\/cm8g4wwi6002m3b6myusj671l@published\" data-component-name=\"subheader\" id=\"a-fantasy-through-cats\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">        A fantasy through cats<\/h2>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8g4vuig001s3b6moizt4pcl@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            Social media companies have come under pressure for not doing enough to prevent the proliferation of this sort of extreme, and in most places, illegal content.    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8g4xeeb002r3b6myk6li36r@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            \u201cThe platforms are social media networks, mainly end-to-end encrypted platforms such as Telegram,\u201d Lara said. \u201cAlso, these videos are being shared on other social media platforms like X, Instagram and Facebook.\u201d    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8g4xeeb002s3b6medz6haks@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            Often potential consumers are recruited directly by the torture rings via a direct message.    <\/p>\n<aside data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/pull-quote\/instances\/cm8g63rrr004k3b6m7k9egedw@published\" data-component-name=\"pull-quote\" data-article-gutter=\"true\" class=\"pull-quote inline-placeholder\">\n<div class=\"pull-quote__section\">\n<div>\n<p class=\"pull-quote__text inline-placeholder\" data-editable=\"text\">                    The challenge is we don\u2019t have a cohesive way of attacking it                <\/p>\n<p class=\"pull-quote__attribution inline-placeholder\" data-editable=\"attribution\">                    Jenny Edwards, criminologist and specialist in animal sexual abuse                <\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8g4xeeb002t3b6m57f70qlv@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            If they have commented on a graphic video on YouTube or Facebook, they might receive an invitation to free-to-join Telegram groups with thousands of members. Those who want more depraved content, or want to order something specific, can join smaller, more extreme Telegram groups.    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8g4xeeb002u3b6mc8uplpv0@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            \u201cIt definitely needs to be restricted, and a lot of it can and should be restricted by the social media provider,\u201d Edwards said.  \u201cThe challenge is we don\u2019t have a cohesive way of attacking it.\u201d    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8zp0i2l00023b6n6gpwfgbg@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            Edwards said in most countries legislation is too weak and inadequate to fit the extent of these crimes, and that law enforcement should be pushing tech companies to do more.    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8g4xeeb002x3b6mrjdft4ql@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            \u201cContent that promotes or glorifies violence is explicitly forbidden,\u201d a Telegram spokesperson said, and \u201cany groups, channels or users found distributing violent content are immediately banned.\u201d Hundreds of moderators using AI tools are removing \u201cmillions of pieces of harmful content each day,\u201d the spokesperson said.    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8g4xeeb00303b6mceo8n0ar@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            In China \u2013 which has some of the world\u2019s most tightly-controlled internet restrictions \u2013 censors rarely remove any cat torture content, Chen said.    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8g4xeeb00313b6m8w41rllg@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            \u201cIn most situations there is no supervision of this,\u201d Chen said. \u201cChina\u2019s censorship of political content and pornography is very strict, but with animal abuse, basically no threshold has been set.\u201d    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8g4xeeb00323b6mms5e6hxt@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            Multiple cases of cat abuse in China have been reported by state media in the past few years, but most alleged that the perpetrators did not face any legal consequences.    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8g4xeeb00333b6mzpamnnvt@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            Other countries with animal cruelty legislation have made multiple arrests of cat torturers in recent years \u2013 including the US, Canada and Turkey.    <\/p>\n<div data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/interactive-video\/instances\/cm8q36ah400063b6nkyu65sgi@published\" class=\"interactive-video\" data-component-name=\"interactive-video\" data-editable=\"settings\">\n<div class=\"interactive-video__container\">            <video class=\"interactive-video__player\" muted=\"\" autoplay=\"\" playsinline=\"\"><\/video>        <\/div>\n<div class=\"interactive-video__metadata\">\n<div class=\"interactive-video__caption\">                    <span data-editable=\"metaCaption\" class=\"inline-placeholder\">The FBI has made multiple recent arrests relating to cat abuse, including in Utah, Wisconsin and Texas.<\/span><figcaption class=\"interactive-video__credit\">CNN<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8g4xeeb00343b6m9guxeh7c@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            In the UK, two teenagers were recently charged with causing animal suffering, after a pair of kittens were found dead and mutilated in north-west London on May 3. The local police also wrote a letter to schools in the area, warning them of an increase in reports of young people committing acts of cruelty towards animals.    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cmb4p8zku00023b6n9ofkgvn9@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            In Turkey \u2013 which is known for its abundance of street cats \u2013 five members of a cat torture network were arrested in January 2024 for \u201cabusing cats and engaging in organizational propaganda.\u201d More arrests were made in February and September last year, including one for \u201ctorture of a kitten.\u201d    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8g4xeeb00353b6myw5tpfc7@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            \u201cIn Turkey, within these groups, there are up to 15,000 members, possibly even more,\u201d Lara said. \u201cSo these networks are spreading, and they mimic what the same networks in China have been doing.\u201d    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8g4xeeb00373b6m239rk65w@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            Activists say the role of legislation and enforcement is critical to shutting these networks down. High-profile cases in recent years include a monkey torture ring originating in Indonesia which was exposed and dismantled in 2023. British man Adam Britton was also jailed in August 2024 for torturing and sexually abusing dozens of dogs in Australia and sharing the videos on Telegram.    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8g4xeeb00383b6m5kwe2m35@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            Peter Li, an associate professor of East Asian politics at the University of Houston-Downtown and a China policy specialist for Humane Society International, says China is the only major industrialized country that does not have comprehensive anti-cruelty laws.    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8g4xeeb00393b6momyd1ail@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            \u201cIt\u2019s time that China adopts an anti-cruelty law,\u201d Li said, though he conceded that it was \u201ca politically challenging issue.\u201d    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8g4xeeb003a3b6myc3wwc0t@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            Li said multiple proposals have been submitted over the past two decades to China\u2019s rubber-stamp parliament, the National People\u2019s Congress, but they have never progressed \u2013 partly due to fears they could impede the farming industry, and due to a cultural lack of concern for animal welfare among China\u2019s older generation.    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8g4xeeb003b3b6m4djsnevc@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            But with the growing number of pets in China \u2013 totalling more than 120 million in urban areas alone \u2013 the pressure to legislate for the protection of animals, especially from younger pet owners, will likely only increase.    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8g4x0c1002p3b6m3rdyz6uv@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            Beyond the suffering of animals, Li says there are also \u201cbroad social consequences\u201d for allowing this trend to spiral. \u201cYou would encourage copycat behaviors,\u201d Li said. \u201cMost of the audience are young people, and (they) would be desensitized.\u201d    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8g4y2kb003g3b6my0rf6h1i@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            In 2024, Chinese state media reported at least four separate cases of university students allegedly torturing cats.    <\/p>\n<div data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/interactive-video\/instances\/cm8q2wc6l00033b6nxthucq45@published\" class=\"interactive-video\" data-component-name=\"interactive-video\" data-editable=\"settings\">\n<div class=\"interactive-video__container\">            <video class=\"interactive-video__player\" muted=\"\" autoplay=\"\" playsinline=\"\"><\/video>        <\/div>\n<div class=\"interactive-video__metadata\">\n<div class=\"interactive-video__caption\">                    <span data-editable=\"metaCaption\" class=\"inline-placeholder\">Currently there are no comprehensive animal cruelty laws in China, which experts say has created a culture of impunity among cat torturers.<\/span><figcaption class=\"interactive-video__credit\">CNN<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8g4y2kb003h3b6mk4fof4bh@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            China Daily, the country\u2019s official English-language newspaper, reported in May that \u201cincidents of students being punished for torturing animals have been on the rise.\u201d    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8g4y2kb003i3b6mgo70kus6@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            The article said the alleged offenders had been punished, but didn\u2019t specify what punishment they\u2019d received, beyond at least two expulsions.    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8g4y2kb003j3b6me5c4b7jf@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            \u201cSimply expelling the students cannot solve the problem,\u201d Wang Wenda, director of students\u2019 psychological health at Xinhua College of Ningxia University, was quoted as saying. \u201cThey might not only hurt animals but also people if they do not get proper guidance and help.\u201d    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8g4y2kb003k3b6my40ejq8j@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            Links between cruelty to animals and to humans \u2013 documented by multiple global studies \u2013 could ultimately drive law enforcement in China \u2013 and elsewhere \u2013 to take the issue more seriously.    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8g4y2kb003l3b6m5k7jcsez@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            \u201cIt starts off with cat torture,\u201d said Lara. \u201cThere have been multiple cases of people who go off to commit other crimes, such as serial killers, but also those that we don\u2019t hear of \u2013 abuse within the home (and) maybe children.\u201d    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8g4y2kb003m3b6md6bhbd1w@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            \u201cThere is a crossover here, and so they\u2019re just acting out a fantasy through cats.\u201d    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8g4y2kb003n3b6mtld485vf@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            For campaigners, there\u2019s no choice but to keep going, despite the huge impact on their own mental health.    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8g4y2kb003o3b6mb012buec@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            \u201cIt\u2019s definitely changed the way that I view the world,\u201d said Lara. \u201cI believe that I have taken on something which I am committed to for the rest of my life, until this changes.\u201d    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cmb4pcm7d00083b6nymbfzsld@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            On May 18, Lara helped to organize global protests calling for an end to cat torture, held in more than 20 major cities around the world.    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8g4y2kb003p3b6mpxcwv5he@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            Chen said he had sought medical support for his mental health, but he\u2019ll keep logging on every night because each sickening video takes him closer to a potential arrest.    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8g4y2kb003q3b6m6o4dtwia@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            He said he\u2019ll watching in the hope of ending the depravity, because \u201csomeone has to do it, right?\u201d    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8g4y035003e3b6mvg9cvt43@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            <em>Madalena Ara\u00fajo, Isil Sariyuce contributed reporting<\/em>    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cmb958v9j00003b6nibj5k61b@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            <em>Story Editors: Hilary Whiteman, Jerome Taylor<\/em>    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8g4z0ei003v3b6mxlylkvo0@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            <em>Video:<\/em> <em>Vina Salazar, Alex Dicker, Dan Hodge, Martin Bourke, Kevin Broad<\/em>    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8g4z0ei003w3b6m9hshc0dw@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            <em>Data and Graphics Editor: Lou Robinson<\/em>    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8h9kg0e00003b6mqpgudq3t@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            <em>Illustration and Motion Designer: Alberto Mier<\/em>    <\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph inline-placeholder vossi-paragraph\" data-uri=\"cms.cnn.com\/_components\/paragraph\/instances\/cm8h9qwk200013b6mcufu408p@published\" data-editable=\"text\" data-component-name=\"paragraph\" data-article-gutter=\"true\">            <em>Visual Editor: Mark Oliver<\/em>    <\/p>\n<\/p>\n<div>This post appeared first on cnn.com<\/div>\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Editor\u2019s Note: This story contains graphic images and descriptions of violence. Every night after returning home from work, Chen opens his laptop and switches to his secret life as an undercover activist. From his bedroom in eastern China, he spends hours witnessing scenes too graphic for a horror movie and trying to befriend people who <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":16856,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[23],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-16855","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-world-news"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/digitaltradecenter.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16855","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/digitaltradecenter.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/digitaltradecenter.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/digitaltradecenter.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/digitaltradecenter.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=16855"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/digitaltradecenter.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16855\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/digitaltradecenter.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/16856"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/digitaltradecenter.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=16855"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/digitaltradecenter.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=16855"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/digitaltradecenter.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=16855"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}