Man accused of putting cat in bong
Lincoln, NE (US)Incident Date: Sunday, Mar 1, 2009
County: Lancaster
Charges: Misdemeanor
Disposition: Alleged
Case Images: 1 files available
Alleged: Acea Schomaker
A 20-year-old man in Lincoln, Neb., is facing drug charges after being accused of stuffing a cat into a homemade bong and smoking marijuana out of it.
Authorities cited Acea Schomaker on suspicion of animal cruelty Sunday after catching him smoking marijuana from a contraption that had a cat stuffed inside its 12-inch by 6-inch base.
Schomaker told Lancaster County sheriff's deputies the 6-month-old female named Shadow had been hyper and that he was trying to calm her.
Deputies discovered the cat trapped in the device after responding to a domestic disturbance call at a residence that Schomaker shares with his grandfather, Sgt. Andy Stebbing said.
Authorities resolved the dispute and left the house, but they returned minutes later after discovering there was an arrest warrant on Schomaker that alleged possession of drug paraphernalia.
"I have never seen anything like this before," Lancaster County Chief Deputy Bill Jarrett said.
Deputies said Shoemaker told them the kitten was high strung and needed to be put in the bong to keep it calm.
"The cat appeared to be very lethargic, somewhat in a sleeping state," Jarrett said.
Capital Humane Society officials said they have taken X-rays and done other tests to see if the kitten has any long-term affects from the alleged abuse.
"The individual stated he had done this several times," executive director Bob Downey said.
The shelter workers said they are working with the sheriff's office and the county attorney to get custody of the animal so it can be put up for adoption.
"We'll find a home where it will not be subjected to this type of treatment anymore," Downey said.
Downey said Shadow was timid but in good condition Monday at the Capital Humane Society.
Schomaker was cited for misdemeanor animal cruelty and taken to the Lancaster County Jail on the arrest warrant. He was released after paying a $400 fine. References |
