Chinese Arcade Criticized for Using Live Hamsters and Turtles as Claw Machine Prizes

A game store in China has ignited significant public outrage after footage emerged featuring a claw machine stocked with live animals, such as hamsters, turtles, and fish, instead of the customary plush toys. This incident occurred in a gaming center located within a shopping mall in Shenzhen, Guangdong province.

Videos circulating on Chinese social media platforms showcased the distressing scene of small hamsters crammed into a corner of the machine, while players attempted to capture them with a metal claw. Observers noted that the hamsters displayed signs of stress, exacerbated by the loud sounds typical of an arcade and the claw’s repeated impacts against their enclosure.

The claw machine used live hamsters as prizes.

Live Animals as Prizes: A Controversial Choice

The unconventional use of live animals quickly attracted widespread condemnation online. Many users accused the establishment of animal cruelty, arguing that these living beings were being treated as mere commodities rather than sentient creatures. This sentiment intensified following revelations that the hamsters were left unattended during the Spring Festival holiday in February, causing fears for their welfare.

Efforts made by concerned citizens to alert local authorities were met with disappointment, as Shenzhen currently lacks specific legislation aimed at protecting animals. This regulatory gap has sparked further discussion about the need for comprehensive animal welfare laws in the region.

Under mounting pressure and criticism, the arcade removed the hamster claw machine. However, this decision led to another controversy. Reports indicate that the store replaced the hamsters with machines offering live aquatic animals, such as fish and turtles, for customers to win as prizes.

Images of this new setup revealed that over 100 small fish were crammed into a single container, raising additional alarms about the conditions in which these animals were kept and the ethics of such practices.

Watch Video: Claw Machine Controversy

Legal expert Zhang Zi’ang commented on the situation, noting that the store might violate China’s Animal Epidemic Prevention Law if it lacks the necessary licenses for keeping and distributing live animals. Despite this, the absence of a comprehensive national animal welfare law in China highlights a significant gap in protections for pets and smaller animals against mistreatment.

As the backlash continued to grow, reports confirmed that the establishment withdrew all claw machines that used live animals, ultimately asserting that it would cease the practice of offering animals as prizes altogether.

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