With your support, Alley Cat Allies offers expert support to the prosecution of cruelty cases, issues rewards to arrest and convict offenders, delivers critical veterinary care to affected cats, and provides education to effectively report, investigate, and prosecute cruelty crimes to the fullest extent of the law.
Together, we are taking a strong stand against all acts of cruelty to cats, and we won’t back down. Read about some of our most recent anti-cruelty action—and learn how you can act with us to seek justice.
We can’t do this critical work without you. Your gift directly supports our fight against animal cruelty, and makes an immediate lifesaving impact.
Ryan Berlanga Pleads “No Contest” to Felony Animal Cruelty
This month, Ryan Berlanga pleaded no contest to two charges of felony animal cruelty, including the case of a kitten strangled to death in San Antonio.
Alley Cat Allies was on the ground to attend the hearing in person, and we will also be there when sentencing is finalized. A pre-sentence investigation has been ordered, and the final sentencing date is to be set.
We are advocating for the maximum penalty allowed under law for each charge: 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
Alley Cat Allies issued the $10,000 reward that led to Berlanga’s arrest. We are going to follow the case until justice is served, and our team plans to be present for the sentencing set in July. We will keep you updated on the outcome.
An Update on the Case of a Cat Shot in Lincolnton, Georgia by Mayor’s Wife
Alley Cat Allies continues to demand justice for a cat shot and killed in Lincolnton, Georgia, by Lizzy Long, the wife of Mayor Mike McCombs–urged by the mayor himself.
According to a news report published today in which Alley Cat Allies was featured, records show that Long was arrested on May 13 and charged with aggravated animal cruelty in relation to the deadly shooting.
A warrant stated that Long did “commit the…act of Aggravated Animal Cruelty when she knowingly and willingly shot a cat with a shotgun that caused the animal to suffer in pain and then die.” The act was called a violation of the exact Georgia law that Alley Cat Allies pointed to in our letter to the District Attorney.
However, Lincoln County court records also show that an investigator with the Georgia Department of Agriculture, which is leading the case, recalled this warrant the very next day. No explanation has been given as to why.
Alley Cat Allies will keep you updated on this case as it unfolds. We continue to demand justice in the form of the maximum penalty for animal cruelty, among other crimes. And, we demand the arrest of and charges against ALL involved, including Mayor McCombs.
“It’s critical to send the message that elected officials are not above the law. They will be held to its standard—even stronger,” said Coryn Julien, Program Communications Officer at Alley Cat Allies.
You can call for justice in this case with us:
Keshaun Williams Convicted of Cruelty
Cruelty to animals is not only heinous in and of itself, but it is also an indicator of potential violence toward people. That’s why this year, Dexter’s Law in Florida went into effect, increasing penalties for acts of cruelty and creating a searchable statewide animal cruelty registry.
Keshaun Williams is now among those listed on that registry. In 2025, he was arrested for throwing his girlfriend’s cat against a wall, causing blunt force trauma. Alley Cat Allies sent a letter to the prosecutor in the case, calling for the strongest possible penalty for Williams’ horrific actions. He was officially convicted and sentenced to one year of probation, anger management courses, and a ban on “care, control, or custody” of animals.
Cases like these are why we fight for justice and for stronger anti-cruelty laws across the country and beyond. Legislation like Dexter’s Law makes a difference, allowing abusers to be searched and identified so they are unable to obtain more animals. And, it puts the pressure on to prevent cruelty offenses.
Learn more about why animal cruelty impacts us all at alleycat.org/TheLink.
Take Action: Seek Justice for a Cat Shot and Killed by Police
In Huber Heights, Ohio, an orange tabby cat was shot and killed by a police officer on April 23. Thank you to all who have raised their voices with us to demand an immediate and thorough investigation and the pursuit of criminal charges.
If you have not taken action yet, you can join us:
Alley Cat Allies filed an official report on the incident after concerned advocates reached out to us. According to the current police report, Officer Akhmed Mamedov of the Huber Heights Police Division fired his service pistol twice at the cat.
Community members allege that the cat survived initially, fled into the woods, and later died from the injuries. They also claim that law enforcement later disposed of the cat’s body in a dumpster.
If confirmed, the killing of this cat was not only cruel and led to a slow, painful death, but also violated Ohio law.
Justice must be served, and transparency and accountability to the community must be upheld—especially given that law enforcement was involved.