|
|
| Public Forum |
Proceed to Auspet's
New Discussion Forum |
Pet
Directory |
Classifieds
| Home
| LinkXchange
|
 Click here to make Auspet.com your default home page |
|
 Auspet - Message Boards
 Cats - all types
 animal cruelty
|
 UBBFriend: Email This Page to Someone! |
next newest topic | next oldest topic |
| Author | Topic: animal cruelty |
|
Mojo Member  Posts: 24 |
posted 03-03-2004 09:25 AM
 
Saturday we lost our black kitten Batty to a neighbor with a bb gun. He shot her twice, once in the throat and once in the back which severed her spinal cord. This is a felony charge in Texas and he is an ex-cop. I can't belive his stupidity. It happend saturday afternoon and me, my husband, and Batty's brother Gary have all been dealing with the loss. I cry at the slightest thought of her. She was black so every shadow I see out of the corner of my eye, I think is her. The guy who did it, has told the animal cruelty investigator that he would like to come over and talk to us but that he is affraid because he knows we're angry. He wants to apologize and repay us for any damages (vet bills etc.) Like I told my husband, more than anything in the world I just want him to know how much he hurt me... and my family. We love her and she cannot be replaced. I'm sure he will also be asking us not to press charges. Here is my dilema... I am not the kind of person to be vengeful, I just want it to be over and I want to think about Batty without having to think about him too. I don't want the responsibility of his punishment on my shoulders, I would rather him know that not only did he hurt Batty, he hurt us... bad. And that he hurt nice forgiving and honest people. Somehow I feel that that alone is a much bigger lesson. Aside from the fact that he has to face us everyday because he lives across the street. Our investigator says that we have up to two years to press charges so if he was ever to be seen even holding that stupid gun, hes in trouble. I have already notified all of my neighbors and the whole dilema was on the news. Everyone has got their eyes on him. Am I doing the right thing? ----Thanks, Batgirl's Mom IP: Logged |
|
Mojo Member Posts: 24 |
posted 03-03-2004 09:42 AM
http://www.ksat.com/news/2889154/detail.html News artilce about Batty IP: Logged |
|
Samsintentions Member Posts: 944 |
posted 03-03-2004 09:51 AM
Oh I'm soo sorry to hear that. Your kitty and family are in my prayrs. IP: Logged |
|
MaryNH Member Posts: 240 |
posted 03-03-2004 10:21 AM
this is so sad...poor cat must have suffered at his hands. You need to find out if he was using her as target practice and if so this man SHOULD be stopped from using another pet like this. As they say animal abuse leads to abuse against people. Me personally..I'd press charges on this goatlicker in a heartbeat. I wouldn't be any more sympathetic to him than he was to your precious pet. He shot it twice...that tells me he was aiming at your cat. I'm sorry this happened...I feel so badly for what your cat must have gone through the last few minutes of its life - I don't feel badly for the man that did that at all and neither should you. He doesn't deserve to be forgiven. IP: Logged |
|
lucidity03 Member Posts: 201 |
posted 03-03-2004 10:23 AM
That's horrible! It's very rare that a posting on a public board from a stranger can bring me to tears. I'm so sorry! I'm not a vengeful person, either... but, I do think this guy has to pay for what he did. He took one of your family members from you. Nothing can ever make it right, but he should face the consequences of the henious thing he did. Why would he do that? He wants to apologize? What would his excuse be for killing your poor cat? Honestly, I'm so sorry to hear that you have to deal with this. Follow your heart on what to do. I do think you have every right to make sure this guy realizes what he did. IP: Logged |
|
Chessmind Member Posts: 701 |
posted 03-03-2004 12:58 PM
I am so sorry for your loss and the way in which your kitty was abused. That is just so sad. I read the whole article you posted. The article said that other neighbor's cats have also had to see the vet to have BB's removed from their bodies. Sounds like it must be the same man. In my opinion this man should not be let off. It's not like it was a one time thing (not that once is excusable). This man simply does not care. When people like this are let off the hook they will just keep repeating the same behavior, knowing that they have not gotten in trouble for it before. According to the article he could get 2 years in prison and a $20,000 fine. I think he would think twice after he was properly fined and imprisoned to ever do this again to another cat. If I was in your shoes I would press charges. Just going on his actions shows that he really could care less about anyone's feelings. People like this have no remorse (in my opinion). Again I am really, really sorry for your loss. IP: Logged |
|
elizavixen Member Posts: 160 |
posted 03-03-2004 01:11 PM
You should definately press charges. Being an ex-cop, grown man, he certainly knew what he was doing. Anyone who could intentional inflict that much pain on an innocent creature has serious issues. There is absolutely no excuse for it. He should go to jail longer than 2 yrs. Or someone should shoot him in the neck and spinal cord. Sorry, it just really makes me angry. furious to be exact. I cannot even imagine what you are going through. I'm so sorry for your loss. But I think letting him off would just be opening him up to do it again to another cat. IP: Logged |
|
footsie Member Posts: 123 |
posted 03-03-2004 01:50 PM
I am so sorry to read about Batty. I also understand how it can be hard to press charges against a neighbor. Although I think we all agree that he DESERVES the fines or jail time, I can also see that those things could be damaging to his family and strain your relations with your neighbors. Perhaps asking him to make his admission and appology public (like a page ad in the local paper) and a donation to a shelter for abused animals in exchange for not pressing charges. The ad would likely embarass and shame him in the same way a criminal charge would (I noticed that the article did not give his name) and the donation would help protect other animals. [This message has been edited by footsie (edited 03-03-2004).] IP: Logged |
nern Moderator Posts: 1591 |
posted 03-03-2004 03:49 PM
How horrible. I am so sorry for what you and your family must be going through. IP: Logged |
|
KayliPepi Member Posts: 16 |
posted 03-03-2004 06:30 PM
Sorry to hear that *hugs*. I suggest pressing charges, or at least having him pay the fine. It's not fair for him to get away with it. IP: Logged |
|
peeshee New Member  Posts: 9 |
posted 03-03-2004 09:28 PM
oh my God. What kind of bastard is this person? I would do anything in my power to make his life hellish. I lost my cat recently, I know how difficult it may be for you. I feel so sorry for the cat. IP: Logged |
|
Mojo Member Posts: 24 |
posted 03-04-2004 07:54 AM
Hi everyone, thank you so much for helping me justify myself a little bit. I was feeling really bad about being so angry. It really puts "love thy neighbor" in perspective doesn't it... Gary (Batty's brother)seems like hes beginning to adjust a little. But my husband and I are considering getting him a little kitten. He's just used to sleeping with Batty, they used to groom each other and sleep together. I think he would do well with a little one. My other cat Mojo is a people cuddler, he wants nothing to do with Gary. Well, just to update you on the situation, I decided that I wanted to give the guy a chance to speak with us. I had counceling from husband for like 30 minutes about how NOT to loose my temper. I just wanted to see his face and see how sincere he was. I also thought he needed to look me in the eyes, I deserve that much. A decision was made (using the investigator as the middle man) that "neighbor" would come over to our house (front porch) and say what he had to say. He was coming over at 7pm. At least that was the agreement. Well, he never showed up... keep in mind that he lives across the street. I literaly sat out side and stared at his house, he was definately home... and he never even came outside. Unless his side of the block suffered some act of God in the form of flood or earthquake, there is absolutely... no excuse. So instead of my kindness making me feel better, it has only made me more angry. As far as I'm concerned its a slap in the face and I will treat it as such. His son plays outside my house daily with other kids on the block, I don't have children of my own yet, but me and the kids get along great. They all loved Batty and belive it or not I have a page of requests for pictures of her. Poor little Jacob can't even look at me, he stands in the street now when the other kids come into my yard to talk to me. I've tried to talk to him, but he just turns away. Its so sad for everyone. That man has no idea what he's done. I will keep you posted on what the next step is and I will eventually try to get a picture of Batty on here so you can see her. Thanks again to all of you. IP: Logged |
|
Mojo Member Posts: 24 |
posted 03-04-2004 08:00 AM
Gosh, didn't realize that was so long. I will keep it shorter next time (:[) IP: Logged |
|
MaryNH Member Posts: 240 |
posted 03-04-2004 09:40 AM
please let us know what you decide...obviously this is an extremely uncaring person otherwise he would have had the balls to face you and your family in regards to what he did to your cat. I firmly hope you choose to prosecute - he's not gonna stop. He showed his true colors by ignoring the request to apologize. you are a lot more patient and understanding than I would be [This message has been edited by MaryNH (edited 03-04-2004).] IP: Logged |
|
fleafly Member Posts: 996 |
posted 03-04-2004 02:07 PM
That is absolutely awful. I feel so badly for you. I know how much we all love our animals and losing them is horrible, especially under such awful circumstances. I can not even imagine how someone could be so mean as to hurt a living thing. I think it is scary that he has kids. It makes me think of my favorite saying "what is wrong with people". I think you should press charges because: 1) Violent behavior that goes unchecked could lead to escalating violence. First its cats, then it could be his kid or other little kids. The pattern of violence starting with animal abuse is well documented. 2) The fact that he didn't come over to apologize shows his true character. He sounds like a sociopath, which is someone who can't feel for others, is egotistical, and unremorseful. 3) Letting him go unpunished will send the message to his kid and the other kids/people in the neighborhood that what he did was okay. People that do the wrong thing need to be punished so that other people (mostly children) can see that actions have consequences. 4) Since this story made the news its potential effects reach further than one neighborhood. Punishing him could send the message to the whole city that animal cruelty is not okay and will not be tolerated. 5) As a former police officer he should have empathy for others and understand the law. He should have known that animal cruelty is a felony. The fact that he still did it shows blatant disregard for the welfare of animals and the laws of society. If you press charges, the responsibility for the punishment is not on your shoulders. Actions have consequences, the natural consequence of breaking a law is that you are punished. You would let him experience the consequences of his actions. My guess is this guy has gotten away with things his whole life. People probably never made him responsible for his actions. What he did was awful. Nothing will ever bring your cat back, but punishing him may save somebody elses cat. IP: Logged |
|
Mojo Member Posts: 24 |
posted 03-04-2004 02:57 PM
Well here it is... my husband and I are not pressing charges at this time but before you get too upset (understandably) Listen to what we have decided. He and I strongly disagree on this whole thing, I would like to see our neighbor in jail and my husband would like it all to be over. We did some research and found out that little to none of the cases processed here result in jail time, most are charged and asked to pay a fine that amounts to about 1,000 to 2,000 dollars. We are proposing that our neighbor cover our expenses (emergency vet bills as well as recent spay and vaccinations) and then... make a donation to the Animal Defense League for no less than 1,500 dollars in Batty's name (thanks footsie). He can agree to it or disagree, all - or nothing. If he disagrees we move forward with charges. If he does pay, we have two years from the day that we can still file charges... For the next two years everyone (they are all involved) that lives on my street will be watching very closely. If he makes a wrong move he is potentially in much more trouble because there is previous documentation...Then perhaps his punishment would be more severe. I have also typed up a letter to him explaining how the donation he is making will be a thousand times more efficient in removing strays from our neigborhood and that there is a right way and a wrong way to go about things. Some of the neighbors and I, along with the Animal Defense League (using the donation for Batty) are going to set up a team for the rescue, foster and placement for our area strays. Batty's vet has agreed on free spay and neuters for the ones caught but un-tameable, they will just be released again. This is still all proposition... we'll see what happens. I'm excited about it because I feel that such a negative situation has been turned into something positive. Batty, though irreplacable to us is helping her little freinds and neighbors. When we found her she was a stray... only a few weeks old. I think she would be proud. Promise... last long post. IP: Logged |
|
MaryNH Member Posts: 240 |
posted 03-04-2004 03:54 PM
at least you are doing something...something is better than nothing. And please make him stick to this - don't let him get away with not honoring his end of the agreement. Is there a way you can give him a deadline for doing these things? (making you post again) IP: Logged |
|
Chessmind Member Posts: 701 |
posted 03-04-2004 06:51 PM
Just wanted to say that I support your decision (although, I would still like to see him in jail). However, you are doing what you feel is best. He's going to dread having to give up any money! Especially to assist cats. I'm glad. Stick to your decision. I think you've made a wise choice.
IP: Logged |
|
Mojo Member Posts: 24 |
posted 03-05-2004 07:29 AM
I will try to keep this short...The converstation went well. After apologizing profusely (though he seemed sincere), He explained how hard it was for his family to come up with the money to pay Batty's vet bills (about $450.00). Haaaaaa, I let him finish, took the money he handed me and then explained to him about the $1500.00. He cried. Said they didn't have it, and I (crying too) said well... I don't have Batty and shes worth a hell of alot more than 1500 dollars to me. 30 days to bring us a check, or we will go with you to the ADL if you don't want to make it out to us. Its that or face the charges. Then, I just shut the door. By the way Chessmind, I did think about his children alot in this decision, but I don't think he would have gone to jail anyway. If he's ever caught again he has a much better chance of serving time considering its been an issue with him before. I'm satisfied that the money from his pocket is going somewhere useful instead of to the city, they would have gotten the money from any fines. I think it hurts him alot more to see his money go to animals than it would have to see it go to the court system. Not to mention, its probably alot more humiliating as well. I know some of you are probably biting your tongue and thinking I should have done more. Don't think that I don't agree, he deserves everything he gets... but this isn't just about him and me. There are so many others involved and I feel like my decision produced the more positive outcome. Yes, we lost our Batgirl, but the death penalty for him wouldn't bring her back. For me helping, strays and homeless cats... in rememberance of her, sheds a little postivity on the tragedy of loosing her. Thank you all for being here to listen and thanks for ALL of our opinions and advise. IP: Logged |
|
MaryNH Member Posts: 240 |
posted 03-05-2004 08:06 AM
if you can humiliate this man into thinking 2x about his cruelty then you've accomplished something. IP: Logged |
|
lucidity03 Member Posts: 201 |
posted 03-05-2004 08:29 AM
Kudos to you for thinking things out and sticking to your convictions. I agree with you that his donated money would help out much better than him not even being throw in jail and paying fines that don't go to a cause for cats. I have to ask... I hope I didn't miss it somewhere in the post... Did he explain WHY he did this? (Did you mention something about strays?) I hope something good can come out of something so bad. I think that sometimes life has weird (and sometimes harsh) ways of throwing lessons at us. Maybe your neighbor learned something. He should donate to the cause and think twice about ever hurting an animal again. IP: Logged |
|
Mojo Member Posts: 24 |
posted 03-05-2004 10:08 AM
The day it happened my husband saw Batty draging herself away from his house. He went over picked her up and then got in the guys face yelling "did you just shoot my cat". He just walked away saying "keep your strays out of my yard". He explained last night that he was affraid and didn't know what to say cause my husband looked so full of rage, which he was. Batty had on her collar and tags, he knew she wasn't a stray... but I'm sure he's had them in his yard before, they are a real problem in my neigborhood. (I noticed last night there is even a new litter) Poor things, they just want to eat and find shelter. Anyway, I found out later from the investigator, that Batty was actually in his garage way up on top of his shelves and that she knocked a paint can down on top of him when she got scared... to bad it didn't knock him out huh. She LOVED TO CLIMB. I even found her in our attic one day, (still have no clue how she got up there)He'll pay for what he did, I will not let it go. Plus, I am watching him very closely and he knows it. IP: Logged |
|
fridaylove Member Posts: 19 |
posted 03-05-2004 12:19 PM
That's horrible, I would want that person to pay. And since he is a cop, I would definately want to press charges, cops feel they are above the law, and typically they have anger management issues themselves. I am sorry for the loss of your cat, I would be traumatized at the loss of my kitty. IP: Logged |
All times are ET (US) | next newest topic | next oldest topic |
  |
|
Contact Us | Auspet.com
Ultimate Bulletin Board 5.45c
| Home | Contact us | Advertise here | Jobs at Auspet | |
| © 1999-2017 AusPet.com |