The Honorable Jeff Swain
District Attorney
Parker County, Texas
117 Fort Worth Highway
Weatherford, TX 76086
Re: Prosecution of Gabriel Caswell for Animal Cruelty
Dear Mr. Swain,
On behalf of Allies Cat Allies and our more than 60,000 supporters in Texas, I am writing in support of your prosecution of Gabriel Caswell for the unlawful killing of cats and kittens while employed at the Weatherford Parker County Animal Shelter.
Alley Cat Allies is the leading advocacy organization with a mission to protect and improve the lives of all cats and kittens. Since our founding in 1990, we have worked in communities large and small to develop humane, evidence-based policies for cats and take strong action, including in court, against incidents of cruelty to cats. Our organization and our over 1 million supporters applaud your leadership in addressing this case with the diligence and commitment it deserves.
Far too often, our judicial system does not adequately recognize the implications of cruelty to animals and, as a result, does not work to ensure the abusers receive a punishment that reflects the severity of the crime. To underestimate the depravity of animal cruelty and the harm it causes is to fail to grasp its role in the greater landscape of violence in our society. As you may know, the link between animal cruelty and child abuse, domestic violence, and adverse mental health and community health outcomes is well established, and research has found that violence against animals is predictive of, and often co-occurring with, violence against humans. To protect us all, animals and people, it is critical to enforce our animal cruelty laws.
The allegations surrounding Mr. Caswell’s killing of cats and kittens in the shelter are egregious and extremely disturbing. While the cats and kittens are the known direct victims, the community at large is also at risk. Animal abuse does not occur in a vacuum, and acts of violence toward cats are a public health crisis. Violent perpetrators must be held accountable for their crimes and sentenced with appropriate severity to deter future abusive conduct and enhance community safety.
We appreciate your efforts to pursue animal cruelty charges against Mr. Caswell and to seek the maximum possible sentence upon conviction. Upon conviction, we would advocate for any sentence should involve a prohibition against Mr. Caswell’s owning or possessing any animals as well as a mental health evaluation.
Alley Cat Allies wishes to offer continued support and assistance to ensure this case concludes in a manner that brings justice to the victims and sets a standard for future investigation and prosecution of animal cruelty. Please contact me at [email protected] to discuss how we can help.
Sincerely,
Calley Gerber
Alley Cat Allies