Five cats died after being sealed inside plastic tote and left in extreme heat; organization urges public to help identify perpetrator
Louisville, KY — Animal Wellness Action today announced a $5,000 reward for information leading to the identification, arrest, and conviction of the person or persons responsible for a shocking act of animal cruelty in Berea, Ky., where eight cats — including six kittens—were intentionally sealed inside a plastic storage tote and abandoned in temperatures approaching 90 degrees. The Center for a Humane Economy also is participating in the offer.
According to the Madison County Animal Shelter, the tote contained two adult cats and six kittens. By the time the animals were discovered, both adult cats and three of the kittens had died from the ordeal. Three surviving kittens were rescued and are now receiving care.
Authorities believe the tote was abandoned between 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. on July 27 near 1386 Richmond Road North in Berea, close to the Madison County Animal Shelter.
“This is an act of deliberate torture, not merely abandonment,” said Wayne Pacelle, president of Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy. “Someone intentionally trapped defenseless animals inside a sealed container and left them to suffer a slow and agonizing death in oppressive summer heat. This is an act of extreme malice, and we ask the public to come forward with information that leads to the arrest of the perpetrator.”
Animal Wellness Action is asking anyone who may have seen suspicious activity in the area during the relevant time period to contact investigators immediately.
The organization is also urging residents, nearby businesses, and motorists who traveled along Richmond Road North on July 27 to review Ring doorbell footage, business security cameras, home surveillance systems, and dash camera recordings that may have captured the suspect or the vehicle used to transport the tote.
“What may seem like an insignificant detail—a vehicle stopping briefly, someone carrying a large blue tote, or unusual activity near the shelter—could be exactly the lead investigators need,” said Pam Rogers, Kentucky state director for the groups. “We urge the public not to assume someone else has already reported it.”
Kentucky law prohibits intentionally torturing, cruelly mistreating, or killing companion animals, and violations can carry serious criminal penalties.
“Research has consistently shown that people who intentionally inflict severe violence on animals often pose a danger to people as well,” added Pacelle. “Solving crimes of this malicious degree protects animals and makes our communities safer.”
Animal Wellness Action noted that reward offers have helped solve numerous animal cruelty investigations across the country by encouraging witnesses to come forward with information they otherwise might not have shared.
The $5,000 reward will be paid for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individual or individuals responsible.
Anyone with information should contact:
Madison County Animal Shelter: 859-624-4744
or
Berea City Police Department: 859-986-8456
Individuals wishing to remain anonymous may also contact Animal Wellness Action: tips@animalwellnessaction.org or 202-525-6746.
Investigators are particularly interested in hearing from anyone who recently observed someone attempting to surrender multiple cats, seeking advice about unwanted kittens, purchasing a large plastic storage tote, or discussing plans to abandon animals.
Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy pledged to continue working with federal lawmakers, prosecutors, and law enforcement agencies to strengthen enforcement against organized animal cruelty and to ensure perpetrators are held fully accountable under federal law. Anyone with information on animal cruelty cases may email tips@animalwellnessaction.org.