TALLAHASSEE, Fla.-The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) 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 death and mutilation of a cat in Destin, Fla. on May 25.
The Case:
According to The Panhandle Animal Welfare Society and Northwest Florida Daily News, on the morning of May 26, "Spot", a 16-year-old calico cat, was found deceased by his owner on the front lawn of his home on Holly Street. Spot's body was mutilated and a necropsy revealed Spot had been skinned with a knife. Since investigators did not find blood on the scene they believe that Spot was killed elsewhere and returned to the home.
Investigators also believe that Spot's death and the death of another cat on Holly Street last year may be related. In September, another area resident discovered that his cat had been mutilated. The responding sheriff's deputy in that case did not order a necropsy because they assumed the cat was killed by coyotes.
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:
The Panhandle Animal Welfare Society is investigating this case. Contact Dee Thompson-Poirrier, director of animal services at 850-243-1525 x12 or x14 with information.
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The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization representing more than 9.5 million members and constituents. The non-profit organization is a mainstream voice for animals, with active programs in companion animals and equine protection, disaster preparedness and response, wildlife and habitat protection, animals in research and farm animal welfare. The HSUS protects all animals through education, investigation, litigation, legislation, advocacy, and field work. The group is based in Washington and has numerous field representatives across the country. On the web at www.hsus.org.
The HSUS Southeast Regional Office serves Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
