A hamster with a torn ear allegedly abused by Mr. A. (Photo courtesy of the Korean Animal Welfare Association)
SEOUL, Feb. 6 (Korea Bizwire) — More than 20 hamsters and guinea pigs were rescued this week from a man accused of repeatedly abusing the animals and posting images and videos of the mistreatment online, animal welfare advocates said Friday.
The Korean Animal Welfare Association (KAWA) said it worked with police and local officials on Feb. 3 to remove 22 animals — including 12 hamsters and a guinea pig — from the suspect’s home under an emergency separation order.
Fourteen of the animals are receiving treatment at nearby veterinary clinics, while eight have been transferred to the group’s care.
Veterinarians reported that many of the rescued animals were suffering from severe stress, malnutrition and damage to major organs such as the liver, lungs and kidneys.
Some showed bite wounds, torn ears and suspected fractures or eye injuries. A veterinarian warned that several animals, weakened and struggling with mobility, could die within days.
According to KAWA, the man had since March 2025 confined hamsters — animals known to attack each other under stress — together in cramped enclosures and posted graphic footage of injured or dying animals on online forums.
The group filed a criminal complaint in December, but the abuse allegedly continued, including livestreams showing animals being sucked into a vacuum cleaner or shaken inside containers.
The suspect is also said to have mocked critics and dismissed concerns about police investigations. On the night of the emergency rescue, he reportedly posted a message on social media threatening further harm, blaming the animals for causing him stress.
Police in Ulsan’s Ulju district said they plan to summon the man for questioning on charges of violating the Animal Protection Act.
Animal rights advocates say the case underscores gaps in current law. Even when abused animals are separated, they can be returned to their owners if care costs are paid, a provision critics say makes it difficult to prevent repeat offenses.
The government, which has pledged stronger measures against animal abuse, faces renewed calls to introduce a system banning convicted abusers from owning animals.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
