Chinese game store slammed after claw machine uses live hamsters and turtles as prizes

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A game store in China is receiving a lot of criticism online after videos revealed it was using live hamsters, turtles, and fish as prizes in its claw machines instead of stuffed animals.

A controversial arcade game was found in a Shenzhen, China shopping mall. Instead of the usual stuffed animals, the machine offered live hamsters as prizes for players to win.

Videos shared on Chinese social media showed hamsters crowded together inside an arcade claw machine. Reports indicate the animals seemed very stressed by the noise and the claw repeatedly hitting their enclosure.

Claw machine uses hamsters and fish as prizes

The unique display immediately caused a strong reaction online, with many people criticizing the shop for mistreating animals. People argued the animals weren’t being respected as living beings, especially considering the loud and crowded environment of the arcade.

People became even more worried when it came out that the shop allegedly left the hamsters without food or care during its February closure for the Spring Festival holiday.

Residents tried to get help from local officials, but were informed that little could be done. Shenzhen currently lacks specific laws to protect animals.

After receiving a lot of complaints, the arcade took out the hamster claw machine. But the problem didn’t stop there; people were still upset.

The shop recently switched from offering hamsters as prizes to new arcade-style games with live fish and turtles that players can win by scooping them up.

Photos of the new setup revealed over a hundred small fish crowded into one container, which has increased worries about their well-being.

According to lawyer Zhang Zi’ang, the business might be breaking Chinese law regarding animal disease control if it doesn’t have the necessary permits for handling and selling live animals. However, China doesn’t currently have a national law specifically protecting the welfare of pets and smaller animals from mistreatment.

After public criticism increased, the store removed all claw machines containing live animals. They later announced they had stopped offering animals as prizes.

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2026-03-16 22:48