An international student at the University of Adelaide has been convicted after severely injuring his housemate’s cat in a violent attack that led to the animal being euthanised. The incident occurred on March 30 at the student’s shared residence in Adelaide.

Tianxiao Zhao, 22, pleaded guilty to a charge of ill-treating an animal causing death or serious harm following the attack on a four-year-old moggy named Ozai. Prosecutors told Adelaide Magistrates Court that the cat suffered a perforated lung, a fractured jaw, and was coughing up blood as a result of the assault.

The court heard that Zhao lost control after discovering Ozai had defecated in the laundry and garage areas of the home. Zhao sent a message to his housemate apologising for any noise while explaining he was “dealing with” the cat’s behaviour and admitting he had beaten the animal. Upon investigating, the housemate found Ozai injured and took the cat to a veterinarian, where it was humanely euthanised due to the severity of its injuries.

Zhao’s legal representative described him as “deeply remorseful” and noted that he had no prior criminal history. Counsel indicated Zhao acknowledged his recklessness, expressed contrition, and promptly assisted in seeking veterinary care for Ozai. “He did not intend to kill the cat,” the defence lawyer said, adding that Zhao had learned a “horrible lesson” from the incident.

Magistrate Koula Kossiavelos condemned the violent act during sentencing, warning Zhao of the potential implications of animal cruelty escalating into harm against humans. While Zhao was convicted, the magistrate placed him on a good behaviour bond, allowing him to leave the court without imprisonment.

Zhao, who moved to South Australia from China in 2024 on a partial scholarship, still has one year remaining of his university studies. When questioned after the hearing, he declined to comment on the offence.