"I Thought It Was a Toy, but It Was Alive"...Hamster Struggles Inside Claw Machine, Sparking Outrage

[The Financial News] An amusement arcade in China is facing criticism for animal cruelty after it used live hamsters, rather than stuffed dolls, as prizes in a claw machine.
According to the South China Morning Post (SCMP) on the 15th, a game arcade inside a shopping mall in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China, placed hamsters inside a claw machine instead of plush toys.
Video posted online shows several hamsters huddled in a corner of the machine, which is lined with wood shavings. Another clip shows a hamster being lifted by the claw and dropped into the prize chute outside the machine.
Commentators also pointed out that the hamsters appeared to be under severe stress, exposed to loud noise and the constant descent of the metal claw.
It was even reported that during the Chinese New Year holiday last month, when the store was closed, no staff were assigned to look after the hamsters.
The outlet reported that some citizens filed complaints with the relevant authorities, but were told only that "there is no animal protection law in Shenzhen."
As the controversy grew, the business removed the claw machine containing hamsters. However, it installed new machines in which customers could scoop up fish and turtles, prompting fresh accusations of animal abuse for cramming more than 100 fish into small tanks.
It also emerged that the arcade had not obtained a license to operate with animals, nor had it secured any animal quarantine certificates.
Local authorities confirmed the facts and ordered corrective measures. The business said it removed all live animals from the premises last week.
A legal expert in Beijing commented, "If live animals were used as game prizes without the necessary permits, that would constitute a violation of the Animal Epidemic Prevention Law of the People’s Republic of China."
moon@fnnews.com Reporter Moon Young-jin Reporter