Calling for the Strongest Sentence for Pouring Bleach on Cat Food
This kind of animal cruelty cannot go unpunished.
Last week, Lauren Carter of Chester, Pennsylvania, was arrested and charged with two counts of misdemeanor cruelty to animals after video footage appeared to show her pouring bleach onto food left out for cats. According to authorities, she admitted to putting bleach on cat food on two occasions.
At least one cat, Jumper, was nearby and sniffed the food. Thankfully, investigators say they found no evidence that a cat ingested the bleach. Contact with bleach can cause chemical burns in a cat’s throat and mouth and risks life-threatening damage.
In a letter to the prosecutor in the case, Alley Cat Allies offered our support to the prosecution of this case and called for the maximum sentence. For a misdemeanor in the second degree, this includes prison time and a high fine.
The strongest possible penalty will set a critical standard against animal cruelty throughout Pennsylvania.
To that end, we are continuing to call for the most severe penalty under the law for Ryan Berlanga for charges of animal cruelty in San Antonio. Alley Cat Allies issued the reward that led to his arrest, was present at the hearing where he pleaded no contest, and stands ready to provide the update on his final sentencing in July.
7 Cats Were Saved, But Many More Perished. Seeking Justice in San Antonio
Even in the wake of the worst acts of animal cruelty, the dedication and advocacy of people who care can make a lifesaving difference. Because good Samaritans did not ignore two sealed bins on the side of a San Antonio road, seven cats were cut free, rescued, and rushed to veterinary care.
Though they were in critical condition, all seven were able to be saved. And since that horrible day, all have been adopted into new homes where they can continue to heal. Munchkin was the last to be adopted and found her family just two weeks ago.
But that is not where this story ends. Far from it. Because the cats who were rescued deserve justice—and so do the cats who could not be saved.
While rescuers opened the first bin in the nick of time to save the cats within, the cats in the second bin were found deceased. One kitten had survived, but perished before she could make it to medical care.
In their memory, Alley Cat Allies is working with San Antonio Animal Care Services (ACS) to find the person or persons responsible for this horrific act of cruelty. Then, we will seek the maximum sentence for all involved.
Alley Cat Allies is offering a $10,000 reward for any information leading to an arrest and conviction in this case. Anyone with information is urged to call 311 and ask to speak with an ACS investigator.
As an ACS spokesperson said in a recent article: “Given the generous Alley Cat Allies reward in connection with this case, we are hopeful the reward may encourage anyone with information to come forward and assist investigators.”
Reporting Animal Cruelty Makes All the Difference
When you see or suspect cruelty to a cat or other animal, the next steps are vitally important. Document what happened, and call the police. It’s critical to alert your local authorities that a crime has taken place and ensure an official police record of the incident.
We have a guide to reporting cruelty and more on our Anti-Cruelty Action page.