Contact: JOHNNIE SIMPSON, [email protected], (240) 482-3895 or (240) 762-1257

BETHESDA, MDAlley Cat Allies is dismayed by an Austin County grand jury’s decision not to charge Kristen Lindsey, a Texas veterinarian who posted a picture of herself on Facebook holding a cat by an arrow through the cat’s head. Alley Cat Allies will host vigils in Houston and Brenham, Texas to honor the cat who was killed, as well as two workshops this week on animal cruelty laws and effective, lifesaving programs like Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR).

“I am shocked by the grand jury’s decision,” said Becky Robinson, president and founder of Alley Cat Allies. “It’s indefensible. Ms. Lindsey admitted her guilt on Facebook and even bragged about it. Her actions are in direct violation of the professional oath she took to protect animals.”

The Veterinarian’s Oath is taken by all veterinarians upon graduation from veterinary school and reads in part, “I solemnly swear to use my scientific knowledge and skills for the benefit of society through the protection of animal health and welfare, [and] the prevention and relief of animal suffering…”

When news of this incident first broke in April 2015, it shocked the nation and made worldwide headlines. Advocates, veterinary professionals, and community members called for the Texas State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners to suspend or revoke Ms. Lindsey’s license. Ms. Lindsey’s alma mater, the Colorado State Veterinary School, released a statement condemning her actions, saying, “At Colorado State University, we join the veterinary clinic that earlier employed this individual, the Texas Veterinary Medical Association, and countless others who strongly decry the grotesque actions and comments displayed in that post.”

Alley Cat Allies has stated that it will continue to work with local governments, organizations, and the people of Texas to protect cats. “This is not the Wild West,” said Robinson. “When it comes to animal cruelty cases like this, officials must enforce the law. And when they fail to do so, the people in those communities need to hold those officials accountable and make their frustration with those outcomes known in the voting booth.”

As part of a commitment to help Texas protect and improve the lives of cats, Alley Cat Allies is mobilizing communities through increased awareness of anti-cruelty laws as well as implementing lifesaving programs for cats.

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Alley Cat Allies is the only national advocacy organization dedicated to the protection and humane treatment of cats. Founded in 1990 and celebrating 25 years of protecting cats, today Alley Cat Allies has over half a million supporters and helps tens of thousands of individuals, communities, and organizations save and improve the lives of millions of cats and kittens nationwide. Its website is www.alleycat.org.