FORT WORTH, Texas — The Humane Society of the United States is offering a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the mutilation of at least three cats in Beaumont, Texas over the past few months.
The Case:
According to the police, at least three cats were found mutilated and dismembered on the lawns of their owner’s homes in the Westgate neighborhood of Beaumont, Texas over the past four months. Authorities believe the injuries to be intentional and suspect similar incidents went unreported.
Animal Cruelty:
The connection between animal cruelty and human violence is well documented. The HSUS First Strike Campaign® raises public awareness and educates communities about this connection 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 www.hsus.org/firststrike.
Intentional violence is not the only risk to the lives of cats outdoors. Cats allowed to roam outdoors are more likely to die prematurely from diseases, poisons, attacks by other animals, or speeding vehicles. In addition, the estimated average life span of a free-roaming cat is less than three years, compared to 15-18 years for the average indoor-only cat. Visit www.hsus.org/safecats for more information.
The Investigators:
Detective Tina Lewallen of the Beaumont Police Department is investigating this case. Anyone with information in this case is asked to call Beaumont Crime Stoppers at 409-833-TIPS.
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The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization with more than 9.5 million members and constituents. The HSUS is a mainstream voice for animals, with active programs in companion animals, disaster preparedness and response, wildlife and habitat protection, marine mammals, animals in research, equine protection and farm animal welfare. The HSUS protects all animals through education, investigation, litigation, legislation, advocacy and field work. The nonprofit organization is based in Washington and has field representatives and offices across the country. On the web at www.hsus.org.
The HSUS Southwest Regional Office serves Arizona, Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas.
