WebProNews

Tag: animal cruelty

  • Justin Bieber’s Dad Allegedly Threw Dog Off Balcony

    Justin Bieber catches hell over the oddest things. While other celebrities are doing stints in rehab or sitting in jail for stealing jewelry, Bieber goes to court for throwing eggs.

    Justin Bieber does share some celeb traits with bigger stars. He and Mick Jagger were both accused of jinxing sports teams. Fans of the Pittsburgh Steelers blamed Bieber’s appearance in the team Bible study for their loss to the Jets a few weeks back. Fans of England, United States, and Brazil soccer teams have each blamed Mick Jagger in turn for their World Cup losses.

    But now Bieber is embroiled in a more celeb-worthy brouhaha. According to TMZ, a dog grainer claims that Bieber’s dad threw a dog off a second-story balcony.

    Trainer Trevor Dvernichuk told TMZ that Justin’s dad Jeremy was angry that their new bulldog, which they named Karma, had bitten Justin’s little brother. Dvernichuk claims that Jeremy grabbed the dog and threw him off the second-floor balcony into a snow bank below. Dvernichuk says that Jeremy told him to take the dog and not bring it back until it was better trained.

    That was a year ago. But Dvernichuk still has Karma. When he started telling people that the Bieber’s abandoned the dog, Jeremy threatened to call the cops, saying Dvernichuk stole the animal. Now Dvernichuk says he will certainly give the dog back, but he is talking about lawyering up to collect boarding fees for the year of keeping the dog.

  • Nikki Reed Goes to the Dogs To Benefit Animal Cruelty Organization

    Nikki Reed has teamed up with Found My Animal to create a collection of dog accessories that will benefit The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

    The pieces, which are sold through online retailer Gilt and include a $65 leather collar and a $62 leash, were unveiled at an event in West Hollywood on Sept. 30.

    “As long as I can remember, I’ve been donating and volunteering for the ASPCA or local shelters. I couldn’t be more excited that Gilt wants to shine a light on animal adoption, and I love what Found My Animal stands for,” Reed, 26, told Us Weekly of the pet collection.

    “I pick up dogs on the kill list, bring them to my house, and rehab them,” Reed said. “Puppies get adopted faster, so my priority is always adult dogs and cats.”

    Reed is momma to her own fur babies — her mother’s two German shepherds, three dogs she adopted, two horses and a rat. The actress said she has a passion for saving animals on the kill list.

    “Puppies get adopted faster, so my priority is always adult dogs and cats,” said the Twilight star.

    Her passion for animals runs deep and it’s one she shares with boyfriend Ian Somerhalder. While filming The Sunday Horse in Atlanta, the actress fell in love with two of the horses that were used in the film, so she bought them. “I was so attached and couldn’t let go.”

    “Acting is my profession … my craft,” said Reed. “It inspires me. [Caring for animals] is like my second job. It’s my other passion.”

  • PETA Offering Reward for Squirrel Kicker Identity

    PETA Offering Reward for Squirrel Kicker Identity

    In a video that went viral online, an unnamed Frenchman was shown kicking a squirrel into the Grand Canyon in Arizona. Now the UK branch of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is offering a $17,000 reward for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of the squirrel-kicker.

    PETA urged anyone with details to relay information to the Grand Canyon’s chief ranger, and calls the man seen in the video a “heartless thug.”

    In the clip, (the original has been deleted from YouTube), a shirtless man is seen setting down crumbs to lure a squirrel to the edge of the cliff, before kicking it into the canyon, while his friend in biker shorts watches.

    Grand Canyon National Park spokeswoman Kirby-Lynn Shedlowski said that rangers have been investigating the video, and have concluded that it appears to have been shot at the Grand Canyon, but when and exactly where is still vague.

    Here is a copy of the clip of the incident:

    If the kicker is caught, he could face a charge of wildlife harassment, which carries a penalty of up to six months imprisonment and a $5,000 fine, Shedlowski said.

    The Frenchmen from the video did not make any new fans on Twitter:

    PETA, founded in 1980, is the largest animal rights group in the world, with over 3 million members and supporters. Its slogan reads, “animals are not ours to eat, wear, experiment on, use for entertainment or abuse in any way.”

    Image via YouTube

  • Elephants Of Eden Park Accused Of Animal Cruelty

    An African elephant park has been accused of treating its elephants inhumanely. An animal rights group in South Africa accused the park of cruelty after a video that shows park staff members mistreating the animals, was discovered.

    “The footage shows elephant calves and juvenile elephants being chained, roped and stretched, shocked with electric cattle prods and hit with bull hooks,” the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) said.

    The group believes the animals were being treated cruelly to break their spirits so they would be more willing to obey their human trainers.

    “The elephants show signs of crippling injuries with severely swollen legs and feet, debilitating abscesses and wounds,” National Council of SPCA’s inspector Wendy Willson said.

    “The calculated and premeditated cruelty of this nature that took place at this facility is a far cry from the loving sanctuary image that Elephants of Eden/Knysna Elephant Park like to portray,” she continued.

    The SPCA filed a report with the police against Elephants of Eden, the Knysna Elephant Park, their directors and management.

    Willson said that it is not uncommon for elephants to be “broken” in such a manner and that it happens in many other parks across the world. Because the animals are so large, trainers feel the need to intimidate them to make them obey their commands.

    Many elephants eventually rebel and have even been known to attack their trainers or innocent bystanders as a result of the fear and frustration brought on by their mistreatment.

    If the elephant park directors and management are found guilty of animal cruelty, they could face up to three years in jail and have the elephants removed from their park.

    The park directors claim that there is no abuse going on within the park and defended themselves on Twitter and Facebook.

    Post by Knysna Elephant Park.

    Post by Knysna Elephant Park.

    Post by Knysna Elephant Park.

    Willson and the group hopes the elephants are removed and the park is closed. The animals will likely find new homes at a rescue or sanctuary where they will be cared for properly and not mistreated.

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • Vegas Bird Death May Bar Young Man From Practicing Law

    A bird death in Las Vegas back in 2012 had a lot of people up in arms over animal cruelty. Now the main individual responsible has finally been sentenced.

    Justin Alexander Teixeira, a 25-year-old Berkeley law student, was sentenced to up to four years of probation and community service at an animal shelter for killing an exotic helmeted guineafowl in 2012. According to the report, Teixeira and two others were chasing the guineafowl in a wildlife area of Las Vegas when he grabbed the bird and tore its head off. It was said that he intoxicated at the time.

    At his sentencing, Teixeira was reportedly sorry for what he had done. He referred to the incident as the “worst moment of [his] life” and that “if there was anything [he] could do to undo it, [he] would.” Despite his remorse, the judge wasn’t going to let him reduce his sentence even further that it already had been. He pleaded guilty to one felony charge of killing another person’s animal in May 2013 to avoid jail time. He also completed a 190-day prison boot camp sentence. While he has avoided the jail time, the judge said that he will have to do community service at an animal shelter for the duration of his probation.

    While Teixeira got off relatively easy, his future may still be in jeopardy. While he was at the prison boot camp, he had also passed the California bar exam. To be a lawyer in the state, one must only have a misdemeanor on their record. With a felony, it would be impossible to practice law. If he complete his probation without any problems, he could ask for his felony to be reduced to a misdemeanor. Doing so would allow him to practice law, but it remains to be seen if the judge will be so lenient.

    As for the other two men who were with Teixeira on the night of the bird’s death, they both pleaded guilty last year to misdemeanor charges. They were fined and had to complete some community service.

    [h/t: Reuters]
    Image via Fox 5 KVVU-TV

  • Elephants Run Rampant in St. Louis

    Elephants Run Rampant in St. Louis

    During a Shriners Circus show Saturday at a multipurpose arena near St. Louis, Missouri, three elephants were spooked by a loud noise, and took off into the parking lot.

    The three female pachyderms escaped their handlers during the “ride-an-elephant” segment of the Moolah Shrine event at the Family Arena in St. Charles, though no one was on top of any of them when the incident occurred.

    Witness Sally Schmiz commented, “Things started shaking, When I looked up I saw three elephants coming toward us. These huge elephants litterally went through these huge RVs. Then they went through two trucks breaking mirrors off, and panels off and breaking the windows.”

    No one was injured during the escape, and the elephants’ handlers were quickly able to corral them. Dennis Kelley, President of Moolah Shriners Circus, said, “The elephants were loose for a brief period. The handlers were able to occupy the animals and they are resting comfortably at this time.”

    Circus elephants tend to like to make a run for it, and the St. Louis incident is not at all unprecedented. Here an elephant takes off from a gig in Ireland:

    The use of elephants in circuses has been a controversial subject – the United States Humane Society has accused circuses of abusing and traumatizing their animals. During his testimony to a U.S. federal court in 2009, Barnum & Bailey Circus CEO Kenneth Feld admitted that circus elephants are beaten behind their ears, under their chins and on their legs with bull hooks. Feld explained that these practices are in place to protect the trainers.

    In a statement a Shriners spokesperson commented, “The elephants were loose on the parking lot for a brief period. And they are resting comfortably at this time. That’s the only statement I have.” The circus continued, and the errant elephants were back to work on Sunday.

    Witness Schmiz added, “Thank God no children were on top of them for rides, or adults too. You could tell they were upset.”

    Image via YouTube.

  • Americans Seen Turning Against Animal Testing

    Americans Seen Turning Against Animal Testing

    The gap in opinion between young and old in the U.S. can often be wide. The country has seen significant movement on political issues such as gay marriage and marijuana legalization in recent years, much of it due to the entrance of younger people on the political scene.

    Now it appears that American opinions on animal rights are set to change dramatically in the coming years as well. New research presented at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science this week has shown that more Americans are now opposing medical testing on animals.

    The study, performed by researchers from Western Governors University and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) looked at survey data from Gallup between the years 2001 and 2013. They found that 41% of U.S. adults said they oppose animal medical testing in 2013, a 12% increase over 2001 opinion levels.

    What’s most interesting about the data, though, is how different various demographic groups’ opinions on the matter were. Only around 33% of Americans age 30 and older last year said that they oppose medical testing on animals. Meanwhile, over half (54%) of adults age 18 to 29 oppose animal testing, a full 23% increase over that statistic as measured in 2001.

    The data also shows a significant gender gap when it comes to animal testing. In 2013 52% of U.S. women said they oppose animal testing versus only 30% of men.

    “Opposition to animal testing is steadily rising among people of every gender, age group, and political affiliation, likely because people have more exposure than ever to information about the cruelty that animals endure in laboratories, how animal testing rarely helps humans, and the superior alternatives available,” said Justin Goodman, co-author of the study and a director at PETA. “Now, the country’s laws and policies governing animal experimentation and its research funding practices need to evolve to meet public expectations as well.”

  • California Egg Law Is Met With Opposition

    California has proposed a law set for 2015 that will regulate more stringent guidelines regarding the treatment of chickens. In order for farmers to qualify for selling eggs, space requirements must be met as well as other conditions such as not confining hens to cages. Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster has recently challenged this law and taken his concerns to the federal level.

    Koster claims that the newly-proposed law infringes on interstate business operations where California should not be granted the influence to determine how farmers from Missouri operate. “If California legislators are permitted to mandate the size of chicken coops on Missouri farms, they may just as easily demand that Missouri soybeans be harvested by hand or that Missouri corn be transported by solar-powered trucks,” Missouri Attorney General Koster said.

    Missouri Farm Bureau President Blake Hurst agreed with Koster. “A pretty good tradition in this country that’s worked pretty well is that we have free trade among the states, and we would not want to see that changed,” Hurst said.

    However, there is opposition against Koster’s view. Jennifer Fearing, who is the senior state director for the California branch of the Humane Society, articulated another reason behind this recent debate. According to Fearing, “Attorney General Koster’s lawsuit targeting California’s laws, filed just to curry favor with big agribusiness, threatens state laws across the country dealing with agriculture and food safety.”

    Bruce Friedrich, who is a senior policy director at Farm Sanctuary, echoed Fearing’s sentiments. “It’s a real embarrassment for the state of Missouri that Mr. Koster would defend a practice that is horribly abusive of animals with a legal theory that is tilting at windmills.”

    Concerns relating to agriculture guidelines, the treatment of animals, and interstate business guidelines are all at the center of this developing situation.

    Image Via Wikimedia Commons and Courtesy of Biswarup Ganguly

  • Horse Slaughterhouse Bill Up For Vote

    This week, a budget bill that will effectively ban horse slaughter by cutting funding for inspections will be up for a vote in Congress.

    The budget bill was released Monday night. Should the bill pass without changes, lawsuits that have constantly prevented the opening of New Mexico horse slaughterhouses could remain unsettled. Congress cut funding for horse slaughterhouses inspectors in 2006 but reinstated funding four years later in 2011.

    Animal rights advocates who oppose attempts to re-open domestic horse slaughterhouses applauded the bill saying Americans do not want to see tax money used on the “disreputable horse slaughter industry.”

    President and CEO of the Humane Society of the United States argued that since “We don’t have dog and cat slaughter plants,” Americans shouldn’t have horse slaughterhouses either. Other animal rights groups have joined the Obama administration in lobbying for the ban on horse slaughter in the U.S. as well.

    In December of last year, New Mexico prosecutor Gary King, filed a lawsuit seeking to block a new slaughter plant from being opened. King’s application for a temporary injunction against the opening of Valley Meat Co. will be decided on Friday.

    Supporters of slaughter plants, however, say that domestic slaughter is a more humane way to deal with abandoned and abused horses. Currently, such horses are shipped to Canada and Mexico and are slaughtered there anyway.

    Native American tribes are among the strong proponents who contend that the exploding number of undomesticated horses is destroying their fields. Blair Dunn, a Valley Meat Co. attorney says, “It is certainly disappointing that Congress is returning to a failed policy at the urging of special interest groups while failing to provide for an alternative.” According to Dunn, the ban will lead to a denial in access to employment opportunities created by the export market and there will be more waste and devastation of the rangelands.

    Hear both sides of the story

    Image via YouTube

  • Down Jackets Encourage Animal Cruelty Towards Birds

    Down jackets’ warmth and comfort are very popular during the winter and mainly for those who enjoy the outdoors during the colder season.

    What are down jackets you ask? Well, they consist of feathers plucked from the softest point on a duck or goose.

    According to a report by Salon, the term “down” is described as:

    “A single piece…of “plumule,” basically a multidirectional puff. These plumules interlock and trap tiny pockets of air — it’s actually this layer of air that keeps the cold out and the warmth in. Down provides about three times more warmth per ounce than synthetics; that is, it’s warmer and lighter and doesn’t mat down over time as synthetics will do.”

    Other down products also include: furniture, blankets, comforters, pillows, and other sorts of clothing. Thus, down is generally used in coats and jackets.

    Due to the fact that down jackets last longer and provide undeniable warmth, many are being donated to help the needy.

    However, these jackets come at a great price for those birds that are stripped of their God-given, natural warmth, which is used to benefit the fashion industry.

    PETA.org describes in an article how a bird’s feathers are typically pulled while they are alive, leaving open and bloody wounds:

    “Live plucking causes birds considerable pain and distress. Once their feathers are ripped out, many of the birds, paralyzed with fear, are left with gaping wounds—some even die as a result of the procedure. Workers often sew the birds’ skin back together without using any anesthetics.”

    The cruelty-free organization believes that the buying of down products also continues to support the meat industry because they too make a profit from having their chickens plucked before killing them.

    Down is seldom produced in the U.S. but is still one of the most trendy for big-time jacket company North Face.

    It doesn’t seem like the popularity and usage of down jackets will be depleting anytime soon among the fashion or charitable industry.

    So, what do you think is more important: continuing the donation of down jackets to keep the homeless warm or refusing to invest in down products to ensure the safety of birds?

    I know it’s a hard decision to make.

    Here is a short video on how to find cruelty-free down clothing.

    Image via Youtube, GeoBeats News

  • Harvard Monkeys Die – Minimal Fine For Cruelty

    Tens of thousands of deaths of primates and other animals occur each year due to animal testing, also known as vivisection.

    After the death of four primates that included two cotton-top tamarins, a critically endangered primate species, Harvard was issued a fine due to animal cruelty by federal regulators. Others of various species were also subjected to inhumane cruelty, including Macaque monkeys.

    The fine was a meager $24,000. A small fine for the immense infractions and suffering the animal testing facility has caused.

    Most of the cruelty occurred at Harvard’s New England Primate Research Center in Southborough, however, Harvard announced in April that it intends to largely shut the center down by 2015.

    Federal regulators have fined Harvard Medical School $24,036 for repeated animal welfare violations in its care of monkeys used in research, an unusual penalty for an academic institution.

    Several of the violations at Harvard, including a number of the animal deaths, appeared to involve incomplete training or inexperienced oversight by its staff.

    In one December 2011 incident, employees failed to notice that a watering device malfunctioned and two primates became dehydrated at the Southborough primate center. One had to be euthanized.

    Two months later, another primate at the center became dehydrated when employees failed to give it a water bottle. That animal had to be euthanized, too.

    Other incidents included leaving a cotton-top tamarin in the cage while power washing it with chemicals. From Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM): In June 2010, a cotton-top tamarin at the New England Primate Research Center was sent through a cage washer and found dead in the cage after the cycle.

    “How could someone not notice a monkey in a cage before loading the cage into a washer?” says John Pippin, M.D., F.A.C.C., the PCRM physician and Harvard graduate who submitted the petition. “Harvard administrators claim that the primate facility has improved standards, but monkeys continue to suffer in captivity and die painful deaths. We believe there is a serious ongoing risk for tamarins and all primates at the laboratory.”

    Harvard has already been investigated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for several violations of the Animal Welfare Act.

    Harvard responded stating it “cares deeply about upholding exemplary standards of care” and feels the penalty was appropriate.

    “For an institution that receives $185 million annually in taxpayer funds alone, half of which is spent on animal experiments, a $24,000 fine for years of abusing and neglecting monkeys won’t motivate Harvard to do better by animals,” Justin Goodman, a spokesman for the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, wrote in an e-mail. “Thankfully, the school already recognizes that tormenting monkeys is not the future of science and made the laudable decision to completely shut down its nightmarish primate center by 2015, meaning that thousands of animals will be spared this same horrible fate.”

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • Cops Find Disgusting Cat Torture Dungeon In Texas

    Cops Find Disgusting Cat Torture Dungeon In Texas

    (Warning: This article contains descriptions of animal cruelty)

    In Santa Fe, Texas, a narcotics investigation that ended Friday had police finding more than what they were looking for; sub-human treatment by “humans” to animals.

    On Friday afternoon in the 4000 block of Avenue N1/2 in Santa Fe, police executed a warrant and raided the house of 39-year old Brian Anthony Cheek, and his wife, 38-year-old Veronica Lynn Springer with the intention of finding drugs, according to Galveston Daily News. During the search, detectives found roughly nine grams of crystal methamphetamine, a scale of which to measure the drugs, packaging materials for sales, and a stolen all-terrain vehicle (ATV) valued at $14,000.

    Unfortunately, as the search went on, investigators later found a grueling and morbid discovery: 20 dead cats, ranging from kittens to fully grown mature cats. Police stated that the dead cats had all appeared to undergo various forms of torture before their demise.

    (image)
    (image)

    Investigators stated that there was evidence of blunt force trauma, disemboweling, strangulation, and burning as well as evidence of cats being burned. One of the murdered felines was found in a box in the bed of Cheek’s truck.

    Galveston County Sheriff’s Office Animal Cruelty investigators picked up the remains of many of the cats which will be later examined by necropsy, thus finding out the actual causes of the cats’ death.

    Cheek already had a history of felony charges for violating parole, but he is now charged with the first-degree felony of manufacturing and delivering controlled substances. Yesterday, Cheek was held on a $300,000 bond. As the investigation continues, felony charges related to animal cruelty and theft are expected to be imposed on Cheek, as well as his wife Springer.

    Springer was charged with possession of controlled substances; her bond was set at $20,000. ‘

    Sgt. Eric Bruss of the Santa Fe police declined to provide any additional information surround the animals, including whether or not any of them had tags or signs of ownership.

    Santa Fe police were assisted by the GCSO Special Crimes Unit, GCSO Auto Crimes Task Force, Galveston County I.D. and the Galveston County District Attorney’s Office.

    Here’s to more laws and penalties imposed on those who torture helpless beings, no?

    (Images via Santa Fe Police, Wikicommons)

  • SeaWorld Documentary Making Waves

    SeaWorld Documentary Making Waves

    SeaWorld continues to undergo scrutiny after the film, “Blackfish” was released. The documentary discusses the captivity of killer whale Tilikum and its role in the deaths of three individuals while revealing specific practices used at the park.

    The film made the list for the Best Documentary at the Oscars last week. SeaWorld claims the film is not an accurate representation of their policies and park life.

    Not only has this been bad press for the Orlando park, it’s affected their business. The park’s Brews, Bands and BBQ concert series has lost a number of acts in relation to the bad press. So far, Martina McBride, Cheep Trick, REO Speedwagon, Heart, Barenaked Ladies, Willie Nelson and Trisha Yearwood have canceled their scheduled performances.

    Not familiar with the documentary? Here’s the trailer.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8OEjYquyjcg

    The only artists that haven’t dropped yet include Justin Moore, Scotty McCreey and .38 Special.

    Apparently all acts had received pressure from animal rights groups and petitions on Change.org in relation to how the marine life is treated.

    Fans and supporters are in on the petitions, encouraging the bands for canceling. Followers replied graciously to the announcement REO Speedwagon made about their SeaWorld cancelation on Twitter.

    YouTube users seemed to be in support of the film as well.

    Jrandjanet22 said, “I do not mind zoo’s or other habitats that help to save species, the difference here is that they are forced to perform to entertain. HUGE DIFFERENCE.”

    vegan truth6 said, “Boycott sea world!, Good people of the earth, please fight for these sentient animals.”

    Another user said, “SeaWorld and other water parks maybe fun to attend? However, it is completely against the nature of these amazing beautiful creatures to be held captive. Their genetics are to roam and discover. Held in a fish tank they go crazy. So Sad.”

    What do you think about SeaWorld? Have you watched Blackfish? Leave your reactions in the comments below.

    Photo Credit: YouTube

  • Puppy Doe: Reward Offered in Abuse Case [GRAPHIC]

    Two Facebook groups are working to find the owner of a pit bull puppy that was tortured to death after being given away through Craigslist. The dog was found in a park in Quincy, Massachusetts at the end of August and had so many injuries that it had to be euthanized. The veterinarian who examined the pup said that the torture was the work of a “psychopath.”

    The list of injuries Puppy Doe sustained is horrifying. “They’re a freak, a total freak,” said Dr. Martha Smith-Blackmore, the veterinarian who performed the autopsy. “Splitting her tongue, burning her nose, stabbing her eye, it’s the totality of the types of injuries. Not only was she beaten, she was stabbed [and] she was burned. It’s all kinds of injures. It’s a sick mind that can do this to an animal.”

    The original owner of Puppy Doe said that she is heartbroken over what happened. “The guilt and responsibility I felt–my heart broke. It was my responsibility to find her a good home,” Laura Hankins told The Boston Herald. “The list of things done to her are just so inhuman and so disgusting. She was the sweetest dog.” Hankins purchased the puppy for $200 in December, but after being told she couldn’t have the dog at her rental, she posted the pup on Craigslist.

    The Norfolk County District Attorney wants to pursue charges against the person who abused Puppy Doe. “It is highly unlikely that this level of sadistic cruelty could be shown to one animal and not be part of a pattern involving other animals or perhaps vulnerable people. We need to find the person who did this and see what else they are doing,” said District Attorney Michael W. Morrissey.

    Two groups on Facebook are seeking justice for the pup, and the groups have about 40,000 followers combined. A reward of $18,000 is reportedly being offered to whoever helps in the arrest and prosecution of person who tortured the pup. People who want to join in spreading word about Puppy Doe and finding her abuser can join Justice for Puppy Doe (1) or Justice for Puppy Doe (2).

    A petition has been started to change state laws to ban giving away animals on Craigslist. The petition, called “Justice for Puppy Doe: BAN the rehoming of pets on Craigslist,” wants to make sure no more pets are harmed because they were “dumped on Craigslist.” The petition currently has 30,000 signatures and will be sent to Craigslist CEO Jim Buckmaster after it receives 50,000 signatures of support.

    People who have any information on the case should contact the Animal Rescue League of Boston at 617-226-5610.

    Main image via Facebook; Article image via The Huffington Post

  • African Serval Cat Killed In Detroit Neighborhood

    A large African Serval cat that escaped from a Detroit home was shot dead over the weekend by a local resident, and now the former owners want answers.

    The cat was actually a Savannah, which is a hybrid between an African Serval and a domestic cat and has the exotic features of a wild feline. The family says they believe the cat escaped through a screened-in window and roamed the neighborhood for several days, eluding a search party who were attempting to bring it home safely. Rumors began to spread that the animal was dangerous, and reportedly one resident took matters into their own hands when they spotted it.

    “It was simply ignorance. A Savannah cat is a cross between an African Serval and a domestic cat, and that is it. They’re larger cats, they’re very beautiful, they have a lot of stripes and spots, which I think was more intimidating to people than even the size of the cat, because the cat wasn’t overly huge, about 25 pounds and maybe when it was sitting was probably two feet tall. But they’re very sweet animals, they’re kind of like the dog of the cat world,” said Laura Wilhelm-Bruzek of Paws for the Cause Feral Cat Rescue.

    The family says the cat never posed a threat to the public and even have photos of their neighbors petting it; Wilhelm-Bruzek says it’s a sad situation that could have been avoided.

    “I’d love to see someone look into it and investigate it. But I’m not holding out a lot of hope. This whole thing from the beginning has just been a mess,” she said.

    Image: Wikipedia

  • Delavan Turtle Dies After Being Beaten by a Golf Club

    [Graphic photos of animal cruelty below]

    A female snapping turtle found severely beaten in a sand bunker of a Delavan, Wisconsin golf course has died from her injuries.

    Authorities believe that the turtle was probably attempting to lay her eggs in the bunker when she was beaten with what appears to be a golf club. Investigators are currently searching for the eggs, but have so far been unsuccessful.

    “It happened at the Delbrook Golf Course in Delavan on June 10 between 7:30 and 9:30 a.m. The female turtle, looking for a place to lay her eggs, was found lying in the sand in a bunker with holes in its shell. It was also struck in the right eye, a wound which appeared to have been from a golf club,” said the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources in a Facebook update.

    The turtle was supposed to undergo surgery, which was to give her a 40%-60% chance of survival. Sadly, the turtle died before that was possible.

    The Global Conservation Group, Wisconsin’s largest animal rights organization, has offered a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the person(s) responsible. And PETA has reportedly pledged an additional $5,000.

    The photos of the turtle, post-attack, are pretty brutal. According to the people at the Pineview Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, the turtle (aged 10-13) was just too banged up to survive. Not only did the turtle sustain multiple gouges to its shell, but also sustained a severe blow to the head.

    What the hell, people?

    (image)