YONKERS, NY—A memorial service for the cats, found dead late last month in a Yonkers, New York lot, has been organized by local advocate Kristin A. Crage. At least 25 cats were killed, many of which were placed in plastic bags and hung from a tree. As the investigation continues, compassionate citizens will have the opportunity to pay their respects and mourn the deaths of the not to be forgotten felines.
The Yonkers Cats Memorial Facebook page is dedicated to the memory of the cats. The page is promoting the memorial gathering they’ve organized and is helping to advance TNR efforts in the local community.
Yonkers Cats Memorial wrote at the page: “We will be holding a Memorial on [Saturday] May 10, 2014 in Yonkers, NY for the cats that were found dead… this is NOT a demonstration. JOIN fellow animal lovers for a peaceful gathering to show our love for the cats found murdered in Yonkers, NY.”
“Reminder: this is a peaceful meeting, our goal is a peaceful, loving tribute to the poor cats that have passed on … I will bring some white carnations, if anyone can bring extra, (let me know) that would be greatly appreciated. This white flower will symbolize purity and innocence of the cats, and our coming together will pronounce our sadness, love, and our need to acknowledge their passing…. not forgotten.”
The national advocacy organization Alley Cat Allies will also be providing white flowers for attendants to carry at the memorial. The nonprofit has also a sharegraphic image, seen below, with the symbolic white flower, so supporters from across the country can virtually participate. You can either copy the image here to use as you see fit or click on it to go to a page where Alley Cat Allies has share buttons for Facebook and Twitter.
A large floral wreath with the text “In Memory of the Cats” will be placed at the site where the cats’ bodies were found. Ordained minister Dina Lenore Cirigliano will give the eulogy.
“Humans do not own this earth,” says Kristin A. Crage, Yonkers resident and organizer of the memorial. “We share it with animals and it’s our responsibility to protect, watch over and respect them. All they want is our kindness.”
WHEN: Saturday, May 10, 10:30 a.m.
WHERE: Participants will meet in the metered parking lot behind C.H. Martin Department Store (located at 2 Palisades Avenue, Yonkers, New York 10701) and walk the two blocks down to the site where the cats were found.
“Intentionally killing a cat—pet, stray and feral—is against the law in all 50 states and the District of Columbia,” says Becky Robinson, president and founder of Alley Cat Allies. “We are working closely with the community and we offer our full support throughout the investigation.”
Alley Cat Allies is hosting a Town Hall meeting to discuss the open case and local animal protection issues with the community next Thursday, May 15, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Riverview Restaurant, located at 1 Warburton Ave., Hastings on Hudson, New York. Open to the public.
Multiple organizations, including Alley Cat Allies, have offered rewards for information leading to an arrest in this case. Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to contact local police or the SPCA of Westchester County confidential hotline at 914-941-7797.
