Beijing Court Rules Against Woman Who Sued to Reclaim 12 Rescued Stray Cats

A Beijing court has ruled against a woman who claimed ownership of 12 stray cats after another resident rescued them from what judges described as inhumane conditions, rejecting her demand that the animals be returned.

According to a report by Cover News yesterday, the 64-year-old woman surnamed Chai from Beijing's Fengtai District kept 12 stray cats confined in small cages placed on an outdoor sidewalk during subzero winter temperatures.

Passersby discovered the cats on January 17, 2025, many of which were sick, and shared images online calling for help.

A resident surnamed Luo went to the site and offered to rescue the cats, taking them to her shelter for treatment and proper care. Chai later sued Luo, demanding the return of the 12 cats and two cages, or compensation if the cats could not be returned.

The court found that Chai had not obtained the cats through legal adoption procedures and had failed to provide them with basic living conditions. Judges said her actions, though claimed to be "rescue," in fact threatened the animals' health and lives and violated widely accepted standards of humane treatment.

The court ruled that Luo's actions were motivated by animal rescue and public interest, not illegal possession. It ordered Luo to return the two cages but rejected all other claims.

Chai later appealed the ruling. The Beijing Second Intermediate People's Court upheld the original judgment on December 22, 2025.