Cats and rabbits killed, decapitated
Seattle, WA (US)Incident Date: Monday, Aug 25, 2003
County: King
Disposition: Open
Suspect(s) Unknown - We need your help!
The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the killing and decapitation of two cats found in West Seattle on Monday, August 25. Both the Humane Society of Seattle/King County and Progressive Animal Welfare Society are each offering a $500 reward, bringing the total to $2,000.
Two decapitated heads, a tail, and a paw were found by a neighbor in the backyard of the cats' home in the 10400 block of 40th Avenue, southwest, according to police reports. A veterinarian is examining the remains in attempt to determine whether the mutilations occurred by a predator or human hands.
"Should the results indicate that the cats deaths were a result of deliberate cruelty we hope that anyone with information will come forward to help bring the perpetrator to justice," said Kelly Peterson, program coordinator for The HSUS Pacific Northwest Regional Office. "Whoever could kill and dismember an animal like this will be dangerous to other animals and people in the community as long as he or she is at large. Animal cruelty doesn't happen in a vacuum. The connection between animal cruelty and human violence is well documented."
In Washington, the penalty for animal cruelty is a felony. Penalties include fines of up to $10,000 and up to five years in prison. Psychological counseling may be ordered for animal cruelty offenders.
The First Strike program, part of The HSUS' Animals In Crises program educates communities about the connection between animal cruelty and human violence. The HSUS provides resources about the connection and 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. Go on-line to www.hsus.org/firststrike for more information.
Anyone with information about this case is asked to call Seattle Animal Control at 206-386-7387, extension 2 or Seattle Police Department, Southwest Precinct, at 206-625-5011. If you have information on this case, please contact:
Seattle Animal Control
206-386-7387 ext2
References- The Humane Society of the United States
- KIRO-TV
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