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Bonsai Kitten Web Site - a hoax
January 30 , 2003
In December 2000, the Oregon Humane Society learned of a Web site that proposed as a form of entertainment -- the intentional disfigurement of kittens. The Web site proposes that kittens be placed in jars, provided with tubes for breathing and elimination, and kept alive to grow into the shape of the jar. These "Bonsai kittens" would then presumably be kept as a novelty.
Both the outrageous nature of the Web site, along with other information obtained, indicate that the Web site is a hoax. However, the language and graphic photos on the site could lead to attempts to replicate the Bonsai kitten. The Oregon Humane Society and the American Humane Association feel the site may inspire acts of animal cruelty.
The Oregon Humane Society joins with the American Humane Association and other national animal welfare organization and unalterably opposes all abuse to animals, including intentional disfigurement. Studies show that those who perpetrate violence toward animals often are the same people who perpetrate violence toward children and other vulnerable populations. Web sites such as this only perpetuate this cycle of violence.
OHS supports the prosecution of anyone who maliciously and intentionally disfigures an animal for the purpose of entertainment. All 50 states have animal cruelty laws that make the practice of producing Bonsai kittens illegal. If you possess information that someone is trying to replicate this process, please alert your local authorities immediately.
Please do not send e-mail or contact the person running the site. This only encourages the posting of the site in additional locations. Thank you for your concern for these animals.
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