University student in Taiwan stands trial for killing cat

A student at Taiwan University stood trial at the Taipei District Court on Tuesday for allegedly abusing and killing a stray cat last year.

Chan Ho-yeung, from the Macao Special Administrative Region, confessed to killing the stray cat nicknamed "Big Orange" in Taipei last year, arguing that he suffers from psychological problems and feels unable to control his whim to kill cats.

Chan's case emerged after security footage showed him abusing the cat, and he guided local police to the cat's body in December after admitting to the act, according to local media.

The student, who is set to graduate from the university this summer, also allegedly abused another cat in early August.

The judge presiding over Tuesday's hearing said the two cases of animal abuse will be combined after investigators conclude their investigation into the second cat's death.

Under the island's current laws, violators who are found to have intentionally injured an animal and caused its death may face a maximum sentence of one year in prison and fines up to 1 million new Taiwan dollars (about 32,000 U.S. dollars).

(APD)