REWARD in CAT MUTILATION CASE! ADVICE on your CAT's SAFETY!!!!

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Adela/Total Animal Liberation

MediaRelations @ hsus.org (remove 2 spaces)

 

"Linda Furness" <linda.furness1 @ btopenworld.com>(remove 2 spaces)

Friday, May 07, 2004 5:42 PM

Fw: PRESS RELEASE - The HSUS Offers Reward in Pennsylvania Cat Mutilation Case

 

PLEASE PASS TO AS MANY AS POSSIBLElinda FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES OFFERS REWARD IN PENNSYLVANIA CAT MUTILATION CASE

FLANDERS, NJ (May 7, 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 mutilation of a cat found in Nanticoke on May 2. The cat was found with profusely bleeding ears that authorities believe had been partially and crudely amputated. The young male cat is being cared for by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals of Luzerne County in Wilkes-Barre, PA. The HSUS reward is offered in addition to a $1,600 fund the SPCA of Luzerne County hasestablished for this case. According to Ed Gross, director of the SPCA of Luzerne County, the cat, described as unusually friendly and affectionate, considering the pain he has endured, may have been the victim of someone "practicing" the croppingof ears before performing the procedure on dogs intended to fight. It is not

uncommon for illegal dog fighters to cut off the floppy ends of their dogs' ears -- an attempt to prevent their adversaries' jaws from clamping down on a sensitive, easily reached body part during a fight. This incident, which occurred at the outset of Be Kind to Animals Week, is another example of the cruelty that animals endure all too frequently at the hands of violent people. Reliable data illustrate that those who harm animals are often abusers of their fellow humans as well. "It is essentialthat whoever mutilated this cat is found and held accountable," said Samantha Mullen, program coordinator at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Office of The HSUS. "That person is dangerous and may need psychiatric treatment as well." The SPCA of Luzerne County is vigorously pursuing this case. Anyone with information about what happened to the cat is asked to please contact Ed Gross at

570-825-4111. The HSUS First Strike® 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.The HSUS also offers rewards in cruelty cases across the country and works to strengthen laws against animal cruelty. Go online to: 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, andcats 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. For more information on cat care and issues facing un-owned cats in diverse communities, visit www.SafeCats.org. Start a Neighborhood Watch for AnimalsT 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 lookout for signs that animals are being abused. The HSUS has free materials available to get people started on aNeighborhood 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 farmanimals 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 thecountry. The

HSUS Mid-Atlantic Regional Office serves Pennsylvania, New York, Delaware and New Jersey. Visit www.hsus.org for more information.> -30- MEDIA CONTACTS:Samantha Mullen (973) 927-5611Karen L. Allanach (301) 548-7778The Humane Society of the United StatesMid-Atlantic Regional Office270 Route 206Flanders, NJ 07836www.hsus.org

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