The Humane Society of the United States is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for sealing a cat in a plastic tote and leaving her near the city brush dump in Oskaloosa, Iowa.
The Case: The Stephen Memorial Animal Shelter reports: On May 5 at around 6 p.m., a local woman found a female cat near the city brush dump. The cat, Cecilia, was inside an abandoned, sealed plastic tote. The woman contacted the Oskaloosa Police Department and Cecilia was taken to the Stephen Memorial Animal Shelter, where she remains.
Animal Cruelty: Getting the serious attention of law enforcement, prosecutors and residents in cases involving allegations of cruelty to animals is an essential step in protecting the community. The connection between animal cruelty and human violence is well documented. Studies show a correlation between animal cruelty and all manner of other crimes, from narcotics and firearms violations to battery and sexual assault.
Josh Skipworth, Iowa state director for The HSUS said: “Sealing a cat in a tote and leaving her to die is a vile and inexcusable act. We hope our reward helps track down the person or persons responsible.”
The Investigators: Oskaloosa Police Department is investigating. Anyone with information about the case is asked to call 641-672-2557.
Resources: The HSUS Animal Cruelty Campaign raises public awareness and educates communities about the connection between animal cruelty and human violence while providing a variety of resources to law enforcement agencies, social work professionals, educators, legislators and families. The HSUS offers rewards in animal cruelty cases across the country and works to strengthen laws against animal cruelty.
The National Sheriffs’ Association and The HSUS launched ICE BlackBox, a free smartphone tool, to allow users to record video of illegal animal cruelty and share it securely with law enforcement for possible investigation and prosecution.
The HSUS doubled its standard cruelty reward from $2,500 to $5,000 thanks to a generous donation from an HSUS board member. To see information on statistics, trends, laws and animal cruelty categories, click here.
Media Contact: Samantha Miller: 301-258-1466; smiller@humanesociety.org
