A STUDENT at Guangdong University of Finance and Economics has become the target of criticism on the Internet, after a video of the student cruelly abusing a cat was posted online. Comments:

Animal abuse is a symptom of serious psychological problems. But the flood of online criticism directed at the perpetrators, and even their hunting down by netizens, is not conducive to helping them deal with these problems. Instead, it further fuels their hostility toward society. Rather than blame and condemnation, animal abuse should be covered by the law with appropriate punishments, while the people involved receive psychological assistance.

Beijing News, Oct 15

Incidents of cat or dog abuse, although subject to heavy censure by the public, are still repeatedly exposed online. Obviously public outrage and moral condemnation alone cannot effectively stop animal abuse. Since the existing law does not include small animals under its umbrella of protection, such violent acts easily escape the legal punishment they deserve. Hopefully, the appeals that smaller animals be protected by the law will be heeded and it will be put on the legislative agenda as soon as possible.

Beijing Times, Oct 15

China's current legislation concerning animal welfare has severely lagged behind the country's fast-developing modern society. Therefore, taking the country's practical situation into consideration and learning from the experience of other countries, the legislature should introduce relevant regulations to prevent animal abuse and provide legal protection for small animals, so as to curb the unhealthy tendency of some people maltreating animals.

Gmw.cn, Oct 15