PORTLAND, Oregon (July 19, 2001)
Information leading to the arrest and conviction of whoever is responsible for the deaths of any one of five cats recently killed in Summerlake Park and Winterlake Park areas of Tigard, Oregon, is needed.
The first cat was discovered in March. Over a two-week period in June, three cats who had been mutilated were found and the body of another cat, a grey and black tabby, was found soaked in beer, along 128th Street. A beer bottle had been placed in this cat's mouth. Police believe the cat may have been killed by blunt-force trauma. Local residents have identified three of the cats as their pets.
"Anyone capable of so viciously attacking defenseless animals poses a potential danger to other animals and people in the community," said Kelly Peterson, Oregon program coordinator for The Humane Society of the United States. "The connection between animal abuse and violence towards humans is well documented. The person or persons responsible for these crimes will continue to be a danger to animals and people in this community until they are brought to justice. We encourage anyone with information to contact the authorities," Peterson said.
As you may be aware, Jeffrey Dahmer, Albert De Salvo (the Boston Strangler), Luke Woodham and many other serial killers started by abusing animals. Someone dangerous to both animals and humans is out and about, posing a serious threat until he or she is identified and arrested.
"Any incident of animal abuse is not tolerated," said Officer Jim Wolf, Tigard Police Department spokesperson. Backing Officer Wolf, Oregon's animal cruelty law is one of the strongest in the country. Oregon is one of 19 states that specifically allow the court to provide for psychiatric counseling or anger management for animal cruelty. A new bill that is expected to be signed by the Governor provides for psychological counseling for juveniles convicted of animal cruelty and bans anyone convicted of certain types of animal abuse from owning a pet for five or fifteen years.
Hopefully, someone will come forward with information so that the guilty party will face a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $100,000 fine.
Tigard police have pledged a $500 reward , the Humane Society of the United States is offering $1,000 and one family has donated $500. A total of $3,300 so far awaits anyone with information leading to the arrest and conviction of the guilty party/parties.
Please call Tigard Police if you know anything about them at (503) 684-4997 ext. 750. Police are actively investigating this case and will follow up on all promising leads. Contact: Officers Kelly Peterson: (503) 872-9623 or Rachel Querry: (301) 258-8255 |
