The HSUS Offers Reward in Pennsylvania Cat Mutilation Case

 
May 7, 2004

FLANDERS, NJ – The HSUS is offering a $2,500 reward for information
leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons
responsible for the mutilation of a cat found in Nanticoke on May 2.
The cat was found with profusely bleeding ears that authorities
believe had been partially and crudely amputated.
The young male cat is being cared for by the Society for the
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals of Luzerne County in Wilkes-Barre,
PA. The HSUS reward is offered in addition to a $1,600 fund the SPCA
of Luzerne County has established for this case.

According to Ed Gross, director of the SPCA of Luzerne County, the
cat, described as unusually friendly and affectionate, considering the
pain he has endured, may have been the victim of someone "practicing"
the cropping of ears before performing the procedure on dogs intended
to fight. It is not uncommon for illegal dog fighters to cut off the
floppy ends of their dogs' ears -- an attempt to prevent their
adversaries' jaws from clamping down on a sensitive, easily reached
body part during a fight.

This incident, which occurred at the outset of Be Kind to Animals
Week, is another example of the cruelty that animals endure all too
frequently at the hands of violent people. Reliable data illustrate
that those who harm animals are often abusers of their fellow humans
as well. "It is essential that whoever mutilated this cat is found and
held accountable," said Samantha Mullen, program coordinator at the
Mid-Atlantic Regional Office of The HSUS. "That person is dangerous
and may need psychiatric treatment as well."

The SPCA of Luzerne County is vigorously pursuing this case. Anyone
with information about what happened to the cat is asked to please
contact Ed Gross at 570-825-4111.

The HSUS First Strike® program educates communities about the
connection between animal cruelty and human violence. The HSUS
provides resources about the connection and what people can do to
combat animal cruelty. The HSUS also offers rewards in cruelty cases
across the country and works to strengthen laws against animal
cruelty. Go online to www.hsus.org/firststrike for more information.

The HSUS reminds cat owners that they can take steps to keep their
cats safe:

• Cats are exposed to many dangers outside the home. Any cat left to
roam outdoors will always be vulnerable to poisons, disease, animal
attacks, animal cruelty, or being hit by a vehicle.

• Cats can live longer, happier lives indoors or safely confined while
still enjoying the benefits of the outdoors, according to The HSUS. A
screened porch or enclosure, or sunny window perches can offer
stimulation while protecting cats from danger. Many toys can simulate
outdoor play, and cats can also be trained to walk on a harness and
leash. The HSUS offers tips for cat owners who wish to bring their
outdoor cat in at www.SafeCats.org.

• Feral cat colonies present a different set of issues for a
community. For more information on cat care and issues facing un-owned
cats in diverse communities, visit www.SafeCats.org.

• Start a Neighborhood Watch for Animals™ program in your community.
Whether it is incorporating animals into existing Neighborhood Crime
Watch programs, or starting a program from scratch, all you need to do
is ask residents to be on the lookout for signs that animals are being
abused. The HSUS has free materials available to get people started on
a Neighborhood Watch for Animals. Visit www.hsus.org/firststrike.

The HSUS is the nation's largest animal protection organization with
over eight million members and constituents. The HSUS is a mainstream
voice for animals, with active programs in companion animals and
equine protection, wildlife and habitat protection, animals in
research and farm animals and sustainable agriculture. The HSUS
protects all animals through legislation, litigation, investigation,
education, advocacy and fieldwork. The non-profit organization, which
celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2004, is based in Washington, DC
and has 10 regional offices across the country. The HSUS Mid-Atlantic
Regional Office serves Pennsylvania, New York, Delaware and New
Jersey. Visit www.hsus.org for more information.