Latest news with #animalabuse
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Bag of kittens found dumped in park as city cat abuse runs rife
A bag of kittens was found dumped in a park in Southampton, as the director of a charity said that cat abuse is "absolutely on the increase" in the city. One kitten has been left with an ulcerated eye, as the bag of four "could have easily died" if not for a chance encounter with a member of the public in Riverside Park on July 23. Tracy Howe, managing director of The Cat Welfare Group, explained that this is just one of several abuse incidents that she has had to dealt with over the past two months. She explained that a member of the public was walking in Riverside Park and happened to see a "gentlemen just drop a bag and walk away". READ MORE: New bin collection scheme sparks fresh wave of anger "People walking past by chance are saving lives," she explained. One of the kittens which was dumped in a bag in Riverside Park. (Image: The Cat Welfare Group) The member of the public opened the bag to find four kittens abandoned in the park. This is just one of several abuse incidents that Tracy's charity has dealt with over the past two months. On July 3, Hampshire police attended reports of a strong smell coming from a house on Thirlmere Road. A group of Sphynx cats were left boarded up in a house with a mound of dry food. (Image: The Cat Welfare Group) Upon arrival, they discovered seven Sphynx cats had been left alone for weeks, left with a mound of dry food and no water. Tracy described the conditions as "shocking" and "filthy", as cat faeces were all over the floor, pieces of carpet had been eaten away and flies were covering the walls. Hampshire officers called staff from The Cat Welfare Group who attended and helped to rehome the cats. READ MORE: Community rallies together to clean 'disgusting' mess left by travellers Tracy explained that officers "ring at all hours" to ask for the charity's help during visits like that. This cat was found taped up in a bag in a skip on Greenacres Road. (Image: The Cat Welfare Group) Another cat was found on June 21 taped up in a bag inside a skip on Greenacres Road. "That's the tip of the iceberg," Tracy explained. "I wish I could say it's a rare incident but it's really not. It's absolutely on the increase." Another of the kittens dumped in a bag in Riverside Park. (Image: The Cat Welfare Group) Tracy believes that during the coronavirus lockdown, people bought cats and dogs and did not neuter them, leading to a "population boom" a few years later. "People get kittens who are very, very cute but they then have kittens, and it just keeps spiralling," she explained. She believes it then becomes "too much" for some people, who decide to just dump or abandon their pets somewhere else. "I appreciate rescue centres and maxed out and full, but we want people to reach out and let us help," she said. "If we can't take them, we will try and find someone that can, and we will help with the transport for that as well. "These cats die. That's ultimately what we're trying to save."
CBS News
2 days ago
- CBS News
Shooting of elderly Pleasanton resident followed confrontation over alleged aninmal abuse, police say
A shooting in Pleasanton that left an elderly man with life-threatening injuries stemmed from a confrontation about alleged animal abuse, police said Monday. A 71-year-old resident was shot multiple times Saturday afternoon at his home on Vineyard Avenue between Bernal Avenue and Ewing Drive. The Pleasanton Police Department said Monday in a press release that preliminary findings indicate the shooting happened after the suspect, identified as a 50-year-old Joshua Kaplan, confronted the resident about the alleged abuse at his home. Witnesses told police about the confrontation at the home, but it was not clear what happened during the initial encounter that led to Kaplan shooting the victim at least six times, according to police. Police also said that at some point, the victim retrieved a shotgun, but it did not appear that the victim fired his weapon. Kaplan surrendered without incident after officers arrived at the scene. The victim was in stable condition as of Monday. Officers were investigating the animal abuse allegations, and the dog involved was taken to the East County Animal Shelter, police said. Kaplan was being held without bail at Santa Rita Jail in Dublin on charges of attempted murder and shooting into an inhabited dwelling. His first court appearance was scheduled for Wednesday.
CTV News
2 days ago
- CTV News
Two people barred from owning, caring for, or living with animals for three years in Chatham-Kent
Two people have been convicted of offenses under the Provincial Animal Welfare Services (PAWS) Act in Chatham-Kent. On July 8, court found the individuals guilty of permitting distress to animals. Both were fined $1,000 and are not allowed to own, have custody or care of, or live with animals for three years. This order doesn't apply to the two dogs living with one of the charged. Further details of the nature of the incident were not provided. The Ministry of the Solicitor General reminds if you think an animal is in distress or being abused, call 1-833-926-4625.
News.com.au
4 days ago
- News.com.au
Dog groomer caught on video doing the unthinkable
This article contains graphic content. A pet groomer from North Carolina was caught on video punching and slapping dogs and slamming one scared pooch against a wall while at work, authorities have said. Kirsten Rhea Taylor, 28, was arrested on Thursday in Mooresville, near Charlotte, and charged with four counts of animal cruelty. Animal Services received reports and video footage showing abuse by a female employee at a pet grooming business, which was later identified as Classy Critters Pet Resort and Spa. The video was captured and posted to Facebook by a concerned co-worker and subsequently went viral with over 20 million views. It shows the dog groomer 'repeatedly striking and mishandling' clients' pooches during routine grooming sessions. One clip shows the employee punching one dog five times while drying them, while another shows a dog repeatedly being hit and pushed against the wall. In another, the worker spins a dog around by its neck and slaps it multiple times. Taylor was identified as the employee in the footage, according to the Iredell County Sheriff's Department. Police said that at least four dogs belonging to clients who had them in for grooming were seen being treated in an aggressive and abusive way. The investigation remains ongoing, with witnesses being interviewed, affected pet owners contacted, and further evidence gathered. Sheriff Darren Campbell said in a statement: 'This case highlights the critical importance of co-ordinated responses in matters involving animal cruelty'. 'We will always take allegations of animal abuse seriously and will hold offenders accountable,' he continued. Pam, the owner of Classy Critters has since confirmed that Taylor is no longer with the business, as reported by Local 3 News. She condemned the staff member's behaviour, calling it 'unacceptable' and saying she has 'zero tolerance' for any abuse with the animals in her care. 'It breaks my heart that this happened,' she said. Taylor's bail has been set at $10,000 (~$15,000 AUD).
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Yahoo
Former Mooresville pet spa employee accused of ‘disturbing behavior' charged with animal abuse
MOORESVILLE, N.C. () — A former employee at a pet spa was charged with felony animal abuse Wednesday after reports of 'disturbing' behavior at the Mooresville business. According to the Iredell County Sheriff's Office, deputies were alerted on Monday of an alleged case of animal cruelty. Three days before, county Animal Services received reports and video footage of abuse by an employee at Classy Critters off Brawley School Road. Deputies say the video, captured by a coworker, reportedly depicts the employee repeatedly striking and mishandling dogs during grooming sessions. These dogs were verified to be clients' pets brought in for routine care. Iredell County Det. Sgt. P. Irwin immediately conferred with Animal Control officers and reviewed the submitted evidence. The sheriff's office says the videos revealed 'troubling behavior' involving at least four separate dogs being treated in 'a clearly aggressive and abusive manner.' The employee was identified as 28-year-old Kirsten Rhea Taylor, of Mooresville. Based on video evidence and corroborating witness statements, Irwin obtained arrest warrants charging Taylor with four counts of felony animal cruelty. Mooresville police arrest two after high-speed chase on I-77 The owner of Classy Critters says the actions on the video were 'addressed immediately' and the employee no longer works there. 'I have zero tolerance for any type of abuse with the animals in my care,' she said. 'I have made this clear with my employees. This has been my life mission for over 40 years and I absolutely love what I do, I love and care deeply for all of them and it breaks my heart that this happened. I hope that the actions of one bad egg does not reflect on Classy Critters and the entire staff.' The investigation remains ongoing. Additional charges may be forthcoming as investigators continue to interview witnesses, contact affected pet owners and compile further evidence. After being booked in the Iredell County jail, Taylor was released on bond Wednesday. Sheriff Darren Campbell detailed how Animal Services is a separate department from the sheriff's office. 'This case highlights the critical importance of coordinated responses in matters involving animal cruelty,' Sheriff Darren Campbell said. 'While we maintain a strong working relationship with Animal Services and appreciate their role in this investigation, it's important for the public to understand that the Sheriff's Office does not oversee Animal Control operations in Iredell County. Since Animal Control is a separate department, certain investigative actions and responses must follow a referral process. We will always take allegations of animal abuse seriously and will hold offenders accountable.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
