Update on the Horrific Cruelty Case of Nala, a Maryland Cat
A member of Alley Cat Allies’ legal team speaking with Kristin, Nala’s owner, in front of the District Court Building.
This week, Alley Cat Allies was present at the trial of Ronald Schlotterbeck, who shot and killed Nala as she rested on a tree branch in his yard, causing her to suffer an agonizing death. We sent a letter of support to the prosecutor in the case asking for the strongest possible penalty under the law for this act of deliberate, needless cruelty. Unfortunately, the punishment served was very light.
At the District Court for Washington County, Maryland, Schlotterbeck was charged with Aggravated Animal Cruelty, a felony, and Animal Cruelty, a misdemeanor. He struck a plea deal with the State of Maryland and pled guilty to the misdemeanor charge, which resulted in a suspended sentence of 20 days in a detention center, which he will not serve as long as he completes 24 hours of community service and pays around $300 worth of fees.
Though the Court condemned Schlotterbeck’s actions as senseless and ridiculous, the resulting penalty did not at all reflect the pain caused not only to Nala but also to her owner, Kristin. It also did not reflect that animal cruelty is a grave threat to every member of our communities. Kristin was even partially blamed simply because Nala had ventured outdoors for a short period, and therefore could be shot.
Animal cruelty will never be taken as the serious offense it is if the severity of the punishment does not match the crime. Alley Cat Allies will continue to fight for justice for cat victims of cruelty and for stronger penalties against cruelty perpetrators.
Saving Terra and Princess
Princess on her way home after extensive veterinary care.
Terra at the veterinarian’s office.
Every day, your generosity helps Alley Cat Allies save kittens like Terra (AKA October!) and cats like Princess, who both needed immediate and critical care.
Terra was abandoned in a parking lot in need of antibiotics and other treatment. Princess’s caregiver contacted our Cat Help Desk because Princess had been refusing to eat–and it turns out she had a life-threatening autoimmune condition. Alley Cat Allies covered the costs of their veterinary care and both are on the mend!
This is your impact. Help us save more lives: alleycat.org/Donate.
Adopted! Lily Finds Her Forever Home
Lily when first rescued.
If you’ve been following Alley Cat Allies on social media, you may have seen our many updates on siblings Lily and Poppy. Both Lily and Poppy (also adopted this week!) had a long road to recovery together after they were rescued from Oklahoma tornadoes earlier this year.
But thanks to veterinary care covered by Alley Cat Allies, Lily is now a bright, vivacious young cat who’s ready to take on the world!
Lily now with her new adoptive family!
Lily has come so far, and we’ve been honored to share her journey with you. She was adopted with her best friend, Comet, and they headed to their forever home together!