The death of a stray dog and her puppies in Jieyang, Guangdong province, has sparked widespread public outcry and a international campaign for animal welfare legislation in China. In late June, video footage began circulating showing four minors using sticks to strike the puppies and setting the mother dog, known as Wang Wang, on fire. Local authorities reported that the boys, all under the age of 14, would be sent to a specialized school but would not face criminal charges.
The incident led to a conflict between Chinese social media users and censors. Official statements urged the public to stop sharing the footage and to avoid "cyberbullying" the minors involved. While some posts by celebrities and activists calling for animal protection laws were removed, the topic has remained a significant trending search term. China currently has no national laws against animal cruelty.
In response to domestic censorship, activists have moved their efforts to international platforms and physical locations. Billboards memorializing the dog and calling for "Justice for Wang Wang" have appeared in New York City’s Times Square and near the Taipei 101 skyscraper in Taiwan. Additionally, residents in Hong Kong and Macau have funded posters on public transportation to raise awareness about the case and the lack of legal protections for animals in mainland China.