The HSUS Offers Reward In St. Petersburg, Fla. Cat's Beating Death

May 29, 2008

The Humane Society of the United States is offering a reward up to $2,500 for new information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible for ­­­­­­­­­­­­­beating an 11-year-old Siamese cat to death in her front yard.

The Case:

News reports give the following account: On April 12, a man was seen beating the cat with a stick in the 2200 block of Burlington Avenue North and 23rd Street North in St. Petersburg. The cat, who was named Amy, was beaten in her front yard while her owner was gardening in the back yard. She was rushed to the veterinarian, but had to be euthanized due to the extent of her injuries. 

The St. Petersburg Police Department still needs help identifying Amy's assailant. Witnesses describe the perpetrator as a 6 foot tall, thin black male in his late teens or early 20s. The short-haired man was not wearing a shirt at the time of the beating, and was seen walking at least one dog on a leash. 

Animal Cruelty:

Getting the serious attention of law enforcement, prosecutors and the community in cases involving allegations of cruelty to animals is an essential step in protecting the community. The connection between animal cruelty and human violence is well documented. Studies show a correlation between animal cruelty and all manner of other crimes, from narcotics and firearms violations to battery and sexual assault. 

“Those who abuse animals can be dangerous to people,” said Jennifer Hobgood, The HSUS’s Florida state director. “Floridians have no tolerance for violence against the creatures who share our world.” 

The Investigators:

The St. Petersburg Police Department is investigating. Anyone with information about the case is asked to call Bill Proffitt at 727-893-7711. 

Resources:

The HSUS Animal Cruelty Campaign raises public awareness and educates communities about the connection between animal cruelty and human violence while providing a variety of resources to law enforcement agencies, social work professionals, educators, legislators and families. The HSUS offers rewards in animal cruelty cases across the country and works to strengthen laws against animal cruelty. Visit: humanesociety.org/cruelty. 

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The Humane Society of the United States is the nation’s largest animal protection organization — backed by 10.5 million Americans, or one of every 30. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty — On the web at www.humanesociety.org.