The HSUS Offers Reward In Patchogue, N.Y. Cat Hanging

December 12, 2008

The Humane Society of the United States is offering a reward up to $2,500 for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­fatally hanging a domestic cat in a Patchogue neighborhood. The Suffolk County SPCA has also offered a $2,500 reward.

The Case:
The Suffolk County SPCA gives the following account: On Monday, Suffolk County Police responded to reports that a deceased cat was hanging from a rope in a residential area of Patchogue. Suffolk County SPCA officials subsequently took the animal's body to their veterinarian, who determined that the cat died from asphyxiation.

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 Patrick Kwan, The HSUS's New York state director. "Americans have no tolerance for violence against the creatures who share our world."

The Investigators:
The Suffolk County SPCA is investigating. Anyone with information about the case is asked to call 631-382-7722.

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. To see our journalists' animal cruelty resource guide, which includes information on statistics, trends, laws and animal cruelty categories, go to: humanesociety.org/crueltyresources.

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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 humanesociety.org.