It’s routine for human DNA to be used in court cases, but it is now becoming more common for that of dogs and cats to be used to convict abusers in court.
This month alone, both Scruffy (pictured at the top of the article) and Madea’s (pictured below Scruffy) abusers were brought to justice after the cats’ own genetic evidence was collected from the crime scenes and the bodies of their abusers.
Investigators found burnt tissues samples at the scene where two teens doused Scruffy with lighter fluid and set him aflame. The DNA of the samples were eventually linked to the teenage abusers. One pleaded guilty and the other chose a court trial and was convicted of aggravated animal cruelty as well as burglary and arson and faces up to 15 years in prison.
The dried saliva at the end of the umbrella that was used to beat Madea was enough evidence to find the abuser guilty of aggravated cruelty and criminal mischief.
Both cats had to be euthanized, but thanks to their genetic evidence, the perpetrators could more swiftly and rightfully be brought to justice.
“When the vet comes in and testifies about the extent of the injuries, the gruesome nature of the way the flame was applied, the extraordinary way the cat suffered—this is the cat,” says a deputy DA. In most cases, defendants ‘end up pleading,’ said a lab director, ‘because their lawyers know what would happen if they brought that kind of cruelty in front of a jury.’”
Awesome news. Accountability WILL change people’s behavior!
YAAAAAAY!!!!! EPIC WIN FOR ANIMALS!!!!!!
– Sad that it would take the treat of punishment to change peoples’ behavior regarding the abuse of animals 🙁 But I’m for anything that helps!
So sad to hear that these beautiful kitties suffered so much, but so happy to hear that their abusers will be punished for what they did…
– Typo, too! I meant “threat” of course… (NOT treat)