Court orders turtle owner to pay RMB1.28 million after falling reptile kills child in Guangdong
A court in Guangdong has ordered a man to pay RMB1.28 million (S$229,100) in compensation after his pet turtle fell from a height and fatally struck a child in Shaoguan City.
- A child in Shaoguan, Guangdong, died after being struck by a falling turtle late last year.
- The turtle’s owner, surnamed Zhang, was ordered to pay RMB1.28 million (S$229,100) to the child’s parents.
- The court ruled Zhang fully liable under China’s civil code, dismissing claims against the property management and insurer.
A tragic incident in Shaoguan City, Guangdong Province, has led to a court ruling ordering a pet turtle’s owner to pay RMB1.28 million (approximately S$229,100) in compensation to the grieving parents of a young child, according to Chinese media outlet The Paper.
According to a report released on 10 June 2025 by the Shaoguan Intermediate People’s Court, the case stemmed from an accident late last year when a turtle fell from a height in a residential compound and struck a child on the head.
Fatal accident in residential estate
At the time of the incident, a couple, surnamed Zhao, were playing with their child in the communal area of their residential estate. Without warning, the turtle plummeted from above, hitting the child with fatal consequences.
Despite being rushed to hospital for emergency treatment, the child did not survive.
Investigations later identified another resident of the estate, surnamed Zhang, as the turtle’s owner.
Legal proceedings and claims
Following the accident, the Zhao family sought compensation and attempted to reach a settlement with Zhang, the property management company, and its liability insurance provider. Negotiations, however, failed to produce an agreement.
The family then filed a lawsuit in the Wujing District Court, demanding RMB1.3 million (S$232,700) in compensation from all three parties.
The court considered whether Zhang, as the turtle’s keeper, the property management company, or the insurer bore responsibility.
Court’s application of civil code
In its ruling, the court cited provisions of China’s civil code. Under these rules, keepers or managers of domesticated animals must bear liability if their animals cause harm. This liability can only be reduced or waived if the victim acted intentionally or with gross negligence.
With no evidence of fault or negligence on the child’s part, Zhang was found fully responsible.
The court also evaluated whether the property management company bore responsibility. Under civil law, management firms can be liable if they fail to take necessary safety precautions. In this case, the Zhao family was unable to prove negligence.
As a result, the court dismissed their claims against both the management company and the insurer.
Compensation order and appeal
In its initial ruling, the Wujing District Court ordered Zhang to pay RMB1.28 million to the Zhao family.
Zhang appealed the decision, and the case proceeded to the Shaoguan Intermediate People’s Court.
During mediation proceedings, both parties reached a settlement. The Zhao family agreed to accept payment in instalments, while Zhang was granted a 30-day grace period before beginning repayments.
Wider implications
The case has drawn attention in China due to the unusual circumstances of the accident and the application of civil liability law to pet ownership.
Legal experts have pointed out that the ruling reinforces the principle of strict liability for animal keepers under China’s civil code, underscoring the need for pet owners to exercise responsibility in preventing harm caused by their animals.
The tragedy also highlights the challenges of accountability in communal living spaces, where accidents can involve multiple parties but legal liability may rest solely with the individual directly linked to the harm.
