2025年11月1日，廣東清遠發生一起引發社會廣泛關注的事件：在迎咀水庫岸邊，有多人將大量貓咪放生入水，目擊者估計至少有三輛車的貓咪，數量上千，其中部分貓已沉入水底。事件被目擊者阮先生發現，他與朋友在水庫遊玩時意外目睹此情況，立刻上前與放生者理論，並報警處理。警方接報後表示，政府相關職能部門已經到場處置，將對落水及岸邊的貓進行捕捉，並透過監控追查放生人員。

迎咀水庫為當地的備用水源，主要供清遠市清城區居民使用。源潭鎮政府分管水利工作的黨委副書記王永英在11月2日接受媒體採訪時表示，雖然水庫大部分位於源潭鎮轄區，但水庫屬於清城區直接管理，水庫內設有管理所，平時一般不對外開放。王永英指出，此次放生行為可能是通過源潭鎮與龍塘鎮交界處非法進入水庫，給水庫管理帶來安全與衛生風險。

事件引發社會關注的原因在於：首先，放生貓咪的數量巨大，部分落入水中生存環境極差，可能造成動物傷亡；其次，水庫作為居民飲水來源，貓咪入水存在水質污染及公共安全隱患。王永英表示，政府將立即展開調查，並向區水利局反映此事，依法依規對放生人員進行處理，以維護水庫安全與公共衛生。

此事件同時引發公眾對「放生文化」的討論。一方面，放生原本出於善意，希望救助流浪動物或積德行善；但另一方面，缺乏規範的放生行為，不僅可能危害動物本身，還會對環境、公共資源和生態系統造成威脅。專家指出，正確的動物救助應該通過正規收容所或動物保護組織，而非在水庫等公共水域隨意放生，否則善意可能帶來災難性後果。

總體而言，這起事件提醒社會，動物保護行為需要結合科學管理與法規規範，任何在公共資源或飲用水水域的隨意行為，都可能帶來不可預見的安全與生態風險。

On November 1, 2025, in Qingyuan, Guangdong, a disturbing incident occurred at Yingzui Reservoir, where multiple people released a large number of cats into the water. According to eyewitnesses, there were enough cats to fill three vehicles, with an estimated total of over a thousand animals. Some of the cats had already sunk to the bottom. The incident was discovered by a local resident, Mr. Ruan, who was visiting the reservoir with friends. He immediately confronted the individuals responsible and reported the situation to the police. Authorities confirmed that relevant government departments had arrived at the scene to handle the situation. Measures were taken to rescue cats in the water and along the shore, and surveillance footage is being reviewed to identify those responsible for the release.

Yingzui Reservoir serves as a backup water source for local residents, primarily supplying drinking water to Qingcheng District. On November 2, Wang Yongying, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee in charge of water management in Yuantan Town, told reporters that although most of the reservoir is located within Yuantan Town, it falls under the direct jurisdiction of Qingcheng District, with a dedicated management office that normally restricts public access. Wang noted that the individuals responsible likely entered the reservoir illegally via the border area between Yuantan Town and Longtang Town, creating potential risks for both water safety and wildlife.

The incident drew public attention for several reasons. First, the sheer number of cats released, combined with the fact that many fell into the water, posed a serious threat to the animals’ survival. Second, because the reservoir serves as a source of drinking water, the cats’ entry into the water raises significant public health and safety concerns. Wang stated that the government will immediately conduct a thorough investigation, report the matter to the District Water Bureau, and pursue legal action against those responsible, in order to protect water quality and public safety.

The event has also sparked wider discussion on the practice of animal release, or “fangsheng,” in China. While traditionally motivated by compassion or religious beliefs, unregulated releases can endanger both the animals and the environment. Experts emphasize that proper animal rescue should be conducted through licensed shelters or animal protection organizations, rather than in public water sources, where well-intentioned acts can lead to unintended ecological and safety consequences.

Overall, this incident highlights the importance of scientific management and legal regulation in animal protection, and serves as a warning that any unregulated activity in public water sources can pose serious risks to both public health and the ecosystem.