Cat has construction-size staples fired in skull
Des Moines, IA (US)Incident Date: Wednesday, Feb 2, 2000
County: Polk
Disposition: Alleged
Alleged: Todd Renda
Case Updates: 2 update(s) available
Todd Renda, 34, of 4119 Leyden Avenue was charged with animal neglect by torture, a serious misdemeanor. He is accused of firing construction-size staples into the cat's skull, forehead and sinuses.
Renda's wife, Melissa, told police that Renda admitted abusing the cat on February 2. Melissa Renda told The Des Moines Register on Thursday the charges were "insane." She said her husband didn't commit animal cruelty. She found the cat outside her home and did not know how the abuse happened.
When the police searched Renda's home they could not find a staple gun.
Melissa Renda told police she returned home the evening of Feb 2 and her husband said he was in the basement giving the cat a bath. When Todd left home, she found the cat, Leroy, mutilated. Melissa took the cat to a veterinarian.
Dr James Denhart, veterinarian, called police Feb 4 after finding out the cat's owners had not reported the incident.
Dr Denhart said he had never seen this kind of abuse in his years of practice. In his medical opinion, the staples were put in with a pneumatic stapler, as they were embedded one-half inch into the cat's skull.
Todd's mother, Diane Davis, also told police her son admitted abusing Leroy. She said he has been abusing animals since he was 6 years old.
Renda is being held in the city jail.
Case Updates| Judge Robert Wilson sentenced Todd Renda, 34, to one year in jail for stapling and stabbing his family's cat. He will be on probation for two years for fradulently collecting unemployment benefits while employed in 1998. He must undergo mental health evaluations and attend nine hours of behavioral classes. Judge Wilson ordered Renda to pay restitution for the benefits charge and to Denhart, who treated Leroy the cat after the February attack. | Source: Des Moines Register - Sept 8, 2000
Update posted on May 27, 2005 - 7:13PM |
Todd Renda admits abusing his family's cat by stapling and stabbing. Renda said he admitted shooting six industrial staples into Leroy's skull and sinuses and stabbed the cat through its abdomen in February.
Prosecutors are seeking jail time. Veterinarian James Denhart turned him in. Denhart said, "That guy is a danger. He should never be around animals." He was pleased that Prosecutors have also suggested behavioral classes.
Renda, 34, pleaded guilty to animal neglect and an outstanding fraud charge for collecting unemployment benefits while he was employed during summer of 1998. These charges carry a maximum of six years in prison.
Renda is scheduled to be sentenced by Polk County District Judge Robert Wilson on Sept 7. Prosecutors have recommended 125 days in jail, two years or probation, mental evaluations, substance abuse therapy, nine hours of behavioral classes and restitution to Denhart. Renda's lawyer agrees with the punishment. | Source: Des Moines Register - Jun 30, 2000
Update posted on May 1, 2005 - 9:56AM |
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