SACRAMENTO, Ca. – The HSUS is offering a $2,500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the suffocation death of two cats found in a sealed container in the Bowman area of Placer County, California on Monday, March 15.

According to Rick Stout, animal control officer with Placer County, the two cats were found in a red-lidded 12-gallon plastic container that was sealed with duct tape. The container was found behind a vacant building formerly known as Sam’s HofBrau restaurant, which is adjacent to the Foothills Bowling Center. It is believed that the container was placed there sometime over the past weekend.

“It was gruesome,” said Officer Stout. “I’ve been here since 1992. It is the worse I’ve witnessed, I can’t describe it.” Both cats were adults. One was a cream/chocolate colored female and the other a neutered black male. Dr. Nicki Kominek, the veterinarian who examined the cats, reported that the necropsy determined that both were alive and in good health prior to being placed in the container. “It was the worst case I have ever seen,” said Dr. Kominek, “the (container) was covered in blood, feces, urine and vomit. Both cats had trauma to their paws and faces probably caused in their efforts to escape.

The HSUS reward of $2,500 will be added to the existing rewards of $1,000 offered by the Placer County SPCA and $500 offered by the Angels Rescuing Kritters, bringing the total reward to $4,000.

“This was sheer torture for these animals,” said Bob Reder, regional coordinator for The HSUS West Coast Regional Office. “The way these cats died is truly horrifying. Anyone capable of such violence is dangerous—not only to animals but to people in the community as well. We encourage anyone with information about this case to contact Placer County Animal Control.”

The Placer County Animal Control is vigorously pursuing this case. Anyone with information about this case is asked to please contact Officer Rick Stout at 530-886-5548.

Animal cruelty is often connected to human violence. The HSUS First Strike® program educates communities about this connection and on what people can do to combat animal cruelty, such as starting a Neighborhood Watch for Animals™. The HSUS also offers rewards in cruelty cases across the country and works to strengthen laws against animal cruelty. Visit www.hsus.org/firststrike for more information.

The HSUS reminds cat owners that they can take steps to keep their cats safe:

• Cats are exposed to many dangers outside the home. Any cat left to roam outdoors will always be vulnerable to poisons, disease, animal attacks, animal cruelty, or being hit by a vehicle.

• Cats can live longer, happier lives indoors or safely confined while still enjoying the benefits of the outdoors, according to The HSUS. A screened porch or enclosure, or sunny window perches can offer stimulation while protecting cats from danger. Many toys can simulate outdoor play, and cats can also be trained to walk on a harness and leash. The HSUS offers tips for cat owners who wish to bring their outdoor cat in at www.SafeCats.org.

• Feral cat colonies present a different set of issues for a community. There are humane ways to manage a feral colony. For more information on cat care and issues facing cats in communities, visit www.SafeCats.org.

• Start a Neighborhood Watch for Animals™ program in your community. Whether it is incorporating animals into existing Neighborhood Crime Watch programs, or starting a program from scratch, all you need to do is ask residents to be on the look out for signs that animals are being abused. The HSUS has free materials available to get people started on a Neighborhood Watch for Animals. Visit www.hsus.org/firststrike.

The HSUS is the nation’s largest animal protection organization with over eight million members and constituents. The HSUS is a mainstream voice for animals, with active programs in companion animals and equine protection, wildlife and habitat protection, animals in research and farm animals and sustainable agriculture. The HSUS protects all animals through legislation, litigation, investigation, education, advocacy and fieldwork. The non-profit organization, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2004, is based in Washington, DC and has 10 regional offices across the country. The HSUS West Coast Regional Office serves California, Nevada and Hawaii. On the Web at www.hsus.org.