News of the disturbing discovery by a public works employee of at least 25 dead cats found hanging from trees in garbage bags in a vacant lot in Yonkers, New York this morning has spread to media outlets across the US, to the UK and beyond today. An article in the New York Times, 25 Dead Cats Found Hanging in Yonkers Trees, gives details on the case.
The SPCA of Westchester County, New York and police are investigating. Authorities examined the cats today and determined that blunt force trauma was the cause of death for the animals.
The SPCA wrote at Facebook this afternoon, saying: “WARNING, this is graphic. 25 Cats Found Hanging in Bags from Tree in Yonkers, NY; Blunt Force Trauma to Head Determined to be Cause of Death. The SPCA of Westchester and Yonkers Police are highly motivated to find those who are responsible for this heinous act. The investigation continues as we follow up leads and conduct interviews. Necropsies have and are being performed and additional items were removed from the scene for further analysis.”
Alley Cat Allies released a statement on the case today and announced a $750 reward. The statement from the cat advocacy organization is found below.
At least 25 cats found dead, some hung from tree in garbage bags
BETHESDA, MD—Alley Cat Allies offers a cash reward of $750 for information leading to the arrest of the person or persons responsible for the deaths of at least 25 cats found in Yonkers, NY. Anyone with any information is asked to contact local police.
“This is a disturbing and horrific case of animal cruelty, and we need to find whoever is responsible,” says Becky Robinson, president and founder of Alley Cat Allies. “Intentionally killing a cat—pet, stray or feral—is against the law in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. We are hopeful that authorities will take this seriously, and we offer our full support throughout the investigation.”
The cats were found by public works employees who were cleaning a vacant lot. It is reported that many of the cats are already decomposed—but some cats had been dead less than a week, suggesting the lot has been a dumping ground for an ongoing period of time.
This gruesome incident is cause for alarm for the community’s safety. Psychiatric and criminological research has established a relationship between cruelty to animals and a host of other violent behaviors towards people—animal cruelty must be taken seriously.
Cats are now the number one pet in America, with over 82 million cats in homes, but caring for cats extends beyond pets. According to Alley Cat Allies’ research, 25 percent of Americans have fed an outdoor cat.
“No matter where a cat lives—indoors or outdoors—they are cared about and valued,” says Robinson. “There is something inherently American about loving cats and wanting to protect them. The fact that people are actively spaying or neutering and vaccinating their cats is evidence that we are an animal loving society.”
Research shows that over 80 percent of cats in homes are neutered, and many cities have started Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs to spay or neuter and vaccinate outdoor cats.
Trap-Neuter-Return is an established, mainstream program designed to care for community cats and keep them out of shelters. Over 430 cities and counties endorse TNR as policy for community cats. Nationally there are over 600 nonprofits dedicated to the care of stray and feral cats, and millions of people who care for outdoor cats daily. Trap-Neuter-Return is actively being carried out in Yonkers, NY.
Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to contact local police.
###
About Alley Cat Allies Alley Cat Allies is the only national advocacy organization dedicated to the protection and humane treatment of cats. Founded in 1990, today Alley Cat Allies has over half a million supporters and helps tens of thousands of individuals, communities, and organizations save and improve the lives of millions of cats and kittens nationwide. Its website is www.alleycat.org.
.
.
.
