AR-News: FW: Press Release - The HSUS Offers Reward in CA Cat Suffocation Case

[Kathy Bauch]

> THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES OFFERS REWARD
>  IN CALIFORNIA CAT SUFFOCATION CASE
> 
> SACRAMENTO, Ca. (March 22, 2004)  - The Humane Society of the United
> States (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(r) program educates communities about this connection and on
> what people can do to combat animal cruelty, such as starting a
> Neighborhood Watch for Animals(tm). 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(tm) 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.
> 
> -30-
> 
> For More Information Contact:HSUS West Coast Regional Office (916)
> 344-1710 or Karen L. Allanach (301) 548-7778
> 
> 
> 
> 
>  
> 
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