Twenty-one dead animals, including cats, found stacked in a South Bend, Ind. alley; police investigating
For Immediate Release: March 28, 2014
Contact: JOHNNIE SIMPSON, [email protected] or (240) 482-3895
BETHESDA, MDAlley Cat Allies, the only national advocacy organization dedicated to the protection and humane treatment of cats, today announced a $750 reward for information leading to the arrest of the person or persons responsible for the deaths of 21 animals found stacked in an alley in South Bend, Ind.
The animalswhich include cats, squirrels, rabbits, and an opossumwere found last week after heavy snowfall thawed. Preliminary investigation by local authorities indicates the animals had been trapped in box traps before being killed and left in the alley. To date, no one has come forward with information. Alley Cat Allies hopes the reward will elicit individuals to speak to police or call the hotline.
“This is a shocking and brutal case of animal cruelty, and we have to find whoever did this,” said Becky Robinson, president and founder of Alley Cat Allies. “Intentionally killing a catpet, stray or feralis against the law in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Individuals who violate these laws should be punished to the fullest extent of the law.”
Alley Cat Allies is working closely with Indiana-based Michiana Feral Cat Initiativeboth organizations applaud South Bend animal control and police officials for treating this case with grave concern and taking swift action to investigate. To help determine cause of death, necropsies are being done on the animals. Results will take up to two weeks.
“We will continue to support the authorities and local community throughout this investigation,” Robinson said. “Threats to cats, and situations like these where violence has taken place, need to be taken very seriously.”
Scientific studies show a clear link between cruelty to animals and violence toward humans. Anyone with information about trapping in the area is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (574) 288-STOP.
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About Alley Cat Allies
Alley Cat Allies is the only national advocacy organization dedicated to the protection and humane treatment of cats. Founded in 1990, 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.