French Students Fined for Killing Mouse During Hazing Ritual

Two students received suspended fines for animal cruelty after one killed a live mouse and the other filmed the act, sparking criticism from animal rights groups.

Lucas B., a student in Marseille, was fined €1,500 with a suspended sentence for killing a live mouse during a 2023 student initiation event.
Cédric V., who filmed the incident and shared it online, received a €1,000 fine with a suspended sentence.
Both students were ordered to pay €1 in symbolic damages to animal rights organizations, including the Fondation 30 Millions d’Amis and the SPA.
The court decided not to record the convictions on their criminal records, citing potential harm to their professional futures.
Animal rights advocates criticized the ruling as too lenient, arguing it sends a permissive message about animal cruelty.