National non-profits offer $11,000 reward in Feliciana cruelty cases

The Humane Society of the United States, In Defense of Animals and Ally Cat Allies have combined their resources to offer a $11,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individuals who have been harming cats in East Feliciana Parish.

In one incident, a Clinton resident found a kitten hanging by a noose on his porch. The second case involved the shooting of a feral cat colony in Ethel, La. In mid-November, Northside Humane Society volunteers began caring for a colony 20 friendly cats whose caretaker had relocated. While some cats had been adopted from the colony, volunteer arrived on November 13th to find nearly all the animals wounded or dead. A veterinary examination determined the cats were shot at close range (primarily in the eyes and rectum) by a .22-caliber rifle. Only the nine of the cats survived the massacre.

The cases quickly garnered attention from national animal welfare organizations and national news coverage on CNN.

While the East Feliciana Sheriff’s office is investigating, volunteers have canvassed the area, met with neighbors and posted flyers. “By finding and prosecuting the people who did this,” says Northside Humane Society President Lori D’Arenbourg, “we have a chance to put East Feliciana on the map as a place that will not tolerate animal cruelty.”

Animal rescue organizations and law enforcement officials agree 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. So, identifying and prosecuting those responsible is important to the safety of everyone in this rural North Baton Rouge community.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to call the East Feliciana Parish Sheriff’s Department at (225) 683-8572.

Five Ethel cats are still available for adoption through Northside Humane Society. Boots, Socks and Maurice would make great family companions. Big Boy and Eddy are best suited to be barn cats. These pets have all been microchipped, vaccinated, spayed/neutered and FeLeuk/FIV tested. Many other adoptable cats, kittens, puppies and dogs are available at the Northside Humane Society, or call 964-6992.