A pet owner in Shaoguan, Guangdong province, has been ordered to pay 1.28 million yuan (approximately S$238,000) in compensation after his turtle fell from a high-rise apartment and fatally struck a three-year-old child. The Shaoguan Intermediate Court confirmed the settlement agreement, reached through mediation, between the turtle owner, identified as Zhang, and the victim’s parents.
The Incident
The devastating incident occurred in December 2024 in a Shaoguan residential community. The falling turtle struck the child on the head, and despite emergency medical treatment, the child succumbed to the injuries. Authorities determined that the turtle belonged to Zhang, a resident of the apartment complex.
In January 2025, the Wujiang district court ruled Zhang solely liable for the accident, citing China’s Civil Code, which holds pet owners responsible for harm caused by their animals. Claims against the property management firm and its insurer were dismissed, as no negligence in safety measures was found. Zhang initially appealed the 1.28 million yuan compensation but later agreed to a mediated settlement.
The terms of the settlement, disclosed on Monday, grant Zhang a 30-day grace period before installment payments to the grieving parents begin.
This ruling underscores China’s stringent laws regarding falling objects from high altitudes, with over a dozen similar liability verdicts settled since 2021. Local courts have reiterated warnings to high-rise residents to secure balcony items to prevent such tragic accidents. The case serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of negligence and the importance of responsible pet ownership in high-rise environments.