“I wouldn’t touch cats for a month or more for 200 subscriptions”
In April, Telegram saw at least ten channels that showcased the abuse and torture of animals, including dogs, cats, and more. Sergey Pershikov, an independent information security researcher and the author of an OSINT and forensic Telegram channel, shared the finding with socialbites.ca. He noted that the true count could be higher, as some channels go unnoticed for a time.
These channels publish photos, videos, and audio that document the act and aftermath of animal suffering. Swimmers—a term used in this coverage—beat, drown, and poison animals. They don’t always target their own pets; homeless animals are often victims too. Cats, dogs, hamsters, mice, and even pigeons appear in the posts. Some admins host interactive sessions, trying to drive engagement by encouraging viewers to like or even “end” the stream to boost subscriber counts.
Pershikov explained that there are spaces where people share poison recipes, explain how to trap animals, and publish reports on the outcomes of the so‑called hunts. He noted that such channels and chats have existed for some time, but there was a surge in activity in spring, particularly in April. Usually, the authors abandon these channels quickly, sometimes before attracting more than a handful of subscribers. In certain cases, though, the audience for these streams reaches hundreds or thousands.
One channel owner claimed to have poisoned cats with salt and sugar, promising to reveal the results later and wishing viewers a “pleasant viewing.” Another user, Alexander, shared a photo of pills, rat poison, and pharmacy scales in a so‑called “modest arsenal” within a zoosadist chat. In a video, the same user flaunted an airgun and demonstrated targeting pigeons.
Many viewers reacting to these posts leave angry comments, yet a minority of followers exhibit a disturbing tolerance or even enthusiasm for the content, Pershikov observed. These reactions illustrate the dual nature of online engagement around disturbing material and the challenges of moderation. [Attribution: Pershikov, OSINT/Forensic channel findings, as reported to socialbites.ca]
cat today, human tomorrow
Occasionally, reports about animal abuse draw mainstream media attention. For example, on April 27, multiple Telegram outlets carried a story about a ninth grader from Mednogorsk who appeared to behead a neighbor’s cat on video. Pershikov suggested that the typical subject of such broadcasts is a teenager, and many of the massacre channels unearthed in April appear to be run by students.
Experts confirm that the managers of several channels were anonymized, with most operators believed to be underage. This has led to speculation that the drive behind such content is quick, inexpensive hype rather than deep-rooted moral crusades. [Attribution: Pershikov; clinical commentary from child psychology researchers]
Pershikov also noted that many of these channels and chats are public, meaning any user can see the material. He suggested that the primary motivation for underage influencers is fast recognition and the attention economy. In contrast, Ivan Khvatov, a psychologist and head of a biopsychological research center, argued that displaced aggression often underpins zoosadism among youths.
Khvatov explained that a child who bullies animals is often someone who faces bullying at school or at home. The child’s inability to respond to the perpetrator can funnel anger toward vulnerable creatures, mimicking the dynamics seen in human conflicts. He emphasized the need to monitor and address the suffering of the victim, noting that venting aggression with a pillow or toy will not resolve underlying issues. [Attribution: Ivan Khvatov, Moscow Institute of Psychoanalysis]
The psychologist suggested that young people posting violent content online may be seeking attention and a sense of belonging, echoing a broader pattern where excluded youths crave signals of recognition. He also warned that parents who observe genuine, ongoing animal cruelty should seek professional help from clinical psychologists or psychiatrists. Early intervention, he asserted, is crucial to prevent escalation toward harming other beings. Khvatov referenced broader studies indicating a link between early aggression and later disorders, underscoring the human stakes involved in these cases. [Attribution: Khvatov, Biopsychological Research Center]
no innocent
When youths commit crimes, there is a tendency to see them as less accountable because they are minors. Yet a lawyer from the DRC law firm argues that justice can still apply to the minor and their parents when animal life is involved. Part 2 of the Russian Criminal Code addresses cruelty to animals with a public display of the act, and penalties can include fines, corrective labor, or imprisonment in serious cases. The open display of abuse online can heighten penalties, she noted.
The lawyer explained that, depending on the age of the offender, courts can require educational measures for the child and even place a minor in a specialized, closed institution. She added that prosecutors can seek court orders to halt the dissemination of animal-torture content, preventing its spread online. The response focuses on safeguarding the animals and ensuring accountability for those who post or enable abuse. [Attribution: Ekaterina Abashina, DRC law firm]
According to Abashina, interventions with the child’s parents may occur when the offender is under 16, using police reports as a basis for compulsory education measures. The aim is to curb harmful broadcasting and reduce opportunities for continued harm, while also addressing the underlying family dynamics that may contribute to such behavior. [Attribution: Law firm commentary]