AMA #12: Cat Torture for Profit: Exposing a Global Horror Hidden in Plain Sight

Inside the Undercover Fight to Dismantle Sadistic Criminal Rings—and What You Can Do to Help.

This week’s Ask Me Anything begins not with curiosity, but with anguish—born from a truth too horrific to ignore. A reader wrote in after stumbling upon a CNN exposé about underground cat torture rings. The images, even blurred, were unbearable. The reality behind them is worse. And the question that haunts so many of us when we learn about this kind of cruelty is simple: What can we do?

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Question: The Horror Behind the Headlines

Some questions cut deeper than inquiry. This one arrives wrapped in grief, outrage, and a desperate need to understand:

Recently CNN did undercover stories about people who torture cats for profit. I skimmed the video stories but couldn’t bear to read much of it. I am haunted that there are people who do this. I had no idea that this happens on our planet. What can be done? I feel so helpless after learning about these cat torture rings.

Animal Politics:

First, let me say—your heartbreak is not only understandable, it’s shared by countless people around the world who have learned about these horrific cat torture networks. The reality is deeply disturbing: organized criminal rings, many operating out of China, are profiting by distributing videos of unimaginable cruelty.

These videos are often sold to individuals with sadistic or sexual fetishes, and the problem has exploded in recent years, with a staggering 500% increase in activity. What’s even more chilling is how easily this content spreads online, sometimes even reaching children.

Why You Feel Helpless—And Why You're Not

It’s natural to feel overwhelmed and helpless in the face of such evil. But history shows that outrage, when harnessed, can become a powerful force for good. The first step is awareness—sharing what you’ve learned with friends, family, and your wider community. Many people simply have no idea this is happening, and public pressure is often the catalyst for change.

The Front Lines of the Fight

Activists like those at Feline Guardians Without Borders are on the front lines, risking their safety to infiltrate and expose these networks. They’re not just documenting the abuse—they’re also lobbying for new laws and better enforcement. Supporting their work, whether through donations, volunteering, or simply amplifying their message, is one of the most direct ways you can help.

How You Can Make a Difference

But what about the bigger picture? Laws matter. Many countries, including China, lack comprehensive animal cruelty statutes. That’s why petitions, letter-writing campaigns, and direct appeals to lawmakers—both local and international—are so important. When enough people demand action, governments and corporations are forced to listen. I encourage everyone to sign petitions, write to their representatives, and urge social media platforms to take a stand against the distribution of animal torture content.

If you encounter abusive content online, the best thing you can do is to report it immediately. Don’t engage, comment, or share—it only increases the visibility of the material. Instead, quietly flag it for removal and encourage others to do the same. At the same time, advocate for stronger content moderation policies on platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and Telegram.

It’s also crucial to support those who are fighting this battle every day. Many activists face real danger and emotional trauma. Offering them moral support, sharing their resources, or even just acknowledging their courage can make a world of difference.

One organization I highly recommend for anyone looking to get involved is Lady Freethinker. Founded by journalist and activist Nina Jackel, Lady Freethinker has become a global leader in exposing and combating animal cruelty—especially online. Their investigative work, petitions, and direct support for animal rescues have mobilized millions and led to real policy changes. If you’re unsure where to start, visiting their website, signing a petition, or supporting their campaigns is a practical and impactful way to help.

Turning Grief into Power

Finally, don’t underestimate the power of collective action. Protests, memorials, and public demonstrations—especially at embassies or consulates—can draw international attention and put pressure on the authorities who have the power to enact change.

Your heartbreak is a sign of your compassion—and your compassion can become a catalyst for change. Every signature, every letter, every dollar, and every conversation helps move us closer to a world where such cruelty is not just illegal, but unthinkable. You are not helpless. Together, we can be the voice for the voiceless and push for a day when these horrors are a thing of the past.

Ed Boks is a former Executive Director of the New York City, City of Los Angeles, and Maricopa County Animal Care & Control Departments, and a former Board Director of the National Animal Control Association. His work has been published in the LA Times, New York Times, Newsweek, Real Clear Policy, Sentient Media, and now on Animal Politics with Ed Boks.

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For more analysis and updates on the evolving landscape of animal welfare policy, visit Animal Politics with Ed Boks.