Chinese man arrested for killing community cat

A Chinese man, identified as Jiang Shan, 32, was arrested by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) for allegedly killing a community cat named 'Ken' in Makati City last week.

Social media users and animal rights advocates condemned the act captured on surveillance footage showing Jiang kicking a resting cat that later died from its injuries.

Officers apprehended him at his residence in Barangay Palanan after discovering he had overstayed since September 2023, as he failed to extend his tourist visa issued in May 2023.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado reminded foreigners visiting the Philippines that mistreating local animals can lead to legal consequences and deportation, emphasizing the importance of respecting Filipino values.

Jiang is currently detained at the BI's detention facility in Taguig City pending deportation under Philippine laws which stipulate fines and imprisonment for acts of animal cruelty as per Republic Act 8485, also known as the Animal Welfare Act of 1998.