China Arcades Face Backlash for Using Live Animals as Claw Machine Prizes
Shenzhen, China – Gaming arcades in China are facing mounting criticism and public outrage after videos surfaced showing live animals – including hamsters, fish, and even cats – being used as prizes in claw machines. The practice has sparked a debate about animal welfare in a country that lacks comprehensive legislation protecting animals from abuse.
Footage circulating on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) shows distressed hamsters huddled together inside the machines, seemingly frightened by the noise and the grabbing claws. Other videos depict gamers attempting to win live cats, with one clip showing a cat narrowly avoiding being snatched by the claw.
The arcade in Shenzhen initially offered hamsters as prizes, later adding fish and turtles to the selection, according to reports. During the recent Spring Festival holiday, concerns arose that the hamsters were left unfed while the arcade was closed.
“The animals are suffering obvious signs of stress,” reported SCMP, detailing the impact of the noisy arcade environment and the physical threat posed by the machines.
The controversy highlights a significant gap in Chinese law. While China has regulations concerning animal epidemic prevention, it currently lacks a nationwide animal welfare law to protect smaller animals, farm animals, and pets from mistreatment.
“Shenzhen does not have an animal protection law,” a local citizen service hotline reportedly stated when contacted by concerned citizens, according to the Southern Metropolis Daily.
Legal expert Zhang Zi’ang, of the Beijing Dacheng Law Firm, noted that using live animals in claw machines could potentially violate China’s Animal Epidemic Prevention Law if the arcade does not possess the necessary licenses.
This isn’t an isolated incident. Numerous videos have emerged online showcasing similar practices in other arcades across China. The trend reflects a broader issue of questionable tactics employed by some businesses to attract customers.
The incidents echo past controversies involving Chinese zoos. Last year, a zoo in Taizhou was condemned for painting dogs to resemble pandas to draw in visitors, and another in Zibo City admitted to painting donkeys to look like zebras. These actions, while intended to boost attendance, drew widespread criticism for misleading the public and potentially harming the animals.
[Image of a hamster in a claw machine – Credit: Xiaohongshu]
[Image of a fish and turtle scooping machine – Credit: Xiaohongshu]
[Image of a cat in a claw machine – Credit: X]
The use of live animals as prizes underscores a growing demand for stronger animal protection laws in China, as advocates push for greater recognition of animal welfare rights. The current situation leaves animals vulnerable to exploitation and abuse in the pursuit of entertainment and profit.
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