(Madison County, NY – July 31, 2014) The Humane Society of the United States is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for throwing a garbage bag containing 12 cats and kittens from a moving vehicle in the City of Oneida.
Wanderers’ Rest Humane Association in Canastota gives the following account: On July 24, a witness reported a garbage bag being thrown from a moving car on Lake Street in Oneida. It was discovered the bag contained 12 cats and kittens trapped inside. Two animals died from the impact, five are recovering at the shelter and another five were already adopted.
Getting the serious attention of law enforcement, prosecutors and the community in cases involving allegations of cruelty to animals is an essential step in protecting the community. The connection between animal cruelty and human violence is well documented. Studies show a correlation between animal cruelty and all manner of other crimes, from narcotics and firearms violations, to battery and sexual assault.
Brian Shapiro, New York state director for The HSUS said, “Cruelty to animals of any kind is shameful, but to throw a living creature out of a moving vehicle is a truly callous act. We are thankful that at least some of the animals managed to survive the impact and hope our reward leads to the conviction of the person responsible.”
Dee Schaefer, humane educator at Wanderer’s Rest said, “This is the most recent of numerous animal abuse cases seen in Madison County. Our community will be safer when the person who did this is brought to justice.”
The Investigators: Oneida City Police Department is investigating. Anyone with information about the case is asked to call 315-363-9111.