Pet owner to pay $176,000 after falling turtle kills child

A pet owner has been ordered to pay 1.28 million yuan ($176,000) in compensation for a child struck to death by his turtle, which fell from a residential high-rise in Shaoguan, Guangdong province, the local court revealed on Monday.

Following mediation, the settlement agreement between the turtle owner, identified only by his surname Zhang, and the victim's parents was confirmed by the Shaoguan Intermediate Court.

The tragedy occurred in December 2024 in a residential community in Shaoguan, where the falling reptile struck a three-year-old child on the head. The child later died despite emergency medical treatment. Authorities determined the turtle belonged to Zhang, a resident of the apartment complex.

In January 2025, the Wujiang district court ruled Zhang was solely liable for the accident under China's Civil Code, which holds pet owners responsible for harm caused by their animals. The court dismissed claims against the property management firm and its insurer, finding no evidence of negligence in safety measures. Zhang initially appealed against the 1.28 million yuan compensation before both parties reached a mediated settlement.

Under the terms disclosed Monday, Zhang will have a 30-day grace period before installment payments to the grieving parents.

The ruling of the case reinforces China's strict laws about accidents of falling objects from high altitudes, with over a dozen similar liability verdicts settled since 2021.

Local courts reiterated warnings for high-rise residents to secure their balcony items to prevent such accidents.