Petitions Seek Firing of Officer Who Shot and Killed Ohio Kittens

Yesterday we covered a story out of Ohio that has raised tempers and emotion, and has inspired animal lovers to speak out.

Our post, Outrage Grows After Ohio Humane Officer Shoots and Kills 5 Kittens, along with stories on the incident elsewhere, tell of the North Ridgeville, Ohio humane officer who on Monday of this week shot and killed 5 feral kittens living in a woman’s woodpile in a residential neighborhood. The woman contacted police via Facebook, asking for the family of a Mama cat and her kittens to be removed from her property, but was horrified when the babies were executed on the spot.

The woman contacted the Ohio SPCA, which has taken an advocacy role in the case, calling for the officer’s firing.  On Tuesday the North Ridgeville police chief, Michael Freeman said that Humane Officer Barry Accorti would not face disciplinary action.

Several animal lovers and advocates have asked us to share the petitions that have come out of the incident. Those supporting and promoting the petitions are asking their fellow animal lovers to please sign and share with others.

Titles of the two petitions below link to the petition sites.

The Ohio SPCA, which is closely involved with the case and has taken a leading role, is urging animal lovers to sign a petition they have started at Causes.com. The SPCA petition is directed to North Ridgeville’s mayor, David Gillock.

Fire North Ridgeville Humane Officer Barry Accorti for KILLING kittens in front of children

To: Mayor David Gillock
I urge you to immediately fire and prosecute North Ridgeville Humane Officer Barry Accorti for shooting and killing a litter of kittens instead of trapping them and taking them to a shelter or cat rescue for possible adoption. The officer had no right to draw his weapon in front of the homeowner and her children and then kill this litter of kittens. He must pay the consequences of his irresponsible actions. Thank you for taking swift action on this tragic event.

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Melissa Gnizak has started a petition at Change.org, which is directed to the Ohio State legislature and North Ridgeville Police chief Michael Freeman.

The release of duties of Barry Accorti.: Release Barry Accorti from his position as North Ridgeville Humane Officer

North Ridgeville in Lorain County, Ohio – North Ridgeville “Humane” Officer Barry Accorti responded to a call this afternoon (6/10/13) regarding a feral mother cat and her five kittens living in a woodpile in a homeowner’s backyard. He told the homeowner that shelters were full and that the cats would be going to kitty heaven. He then pulled out his gun and shot to death the five 8 to 10 week-old kittens. Accorti told the woman that he isn’t suppose to do this, but it was justifiable. The woman ran into the house to shield her children who were screaming and crying. We are told that he discharged his gun approximately 15 feet from the backyard patio. The mother cat is still alive.

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For details on the story, along with local news video reports, see or post of 6/11, Outrage Grows After Ohio Humane Officer Shoots and Kills 5 Kittens

The Ohio SPCA is providing updates on the story at Twitter and Facebook.

Karen Harrison Binette

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