Four young children scream in horror as humane society officer shoots dead their five kittens after promising that the cats 'would go to kitty heaven'

OHIO -- An Ohio Humane Society officer has sparked an outrage among animal lovers and activists after shooting dead a feral cat's litter in front of a horrified homeowner and within earshot of her small children.

Part-time Humane Society Officer Barry Accorti, a veteran of the North Ridgeville Police Department, responded to a home on Vista Lake Way Monday afternoon after a woman reported that there were feral cats living in a woodpile and causing problems.

According to the mother of four, Accorti informed her that animal shelters were full, and that the cats 'would be going to kitty heaven.'

With that, Accorti went to his truck, grabbed his gun and opened fire on the kittens ranging in age between 8 and 10 weeks old. Their mother managed to ran away unharmed, the local station WKYC reported.

The kittens, photographed by the homeowner, before they were shot to death

The officer allegedly admitted that he is not supposed to shoot animals, but claimed that his actions were justified as a form of euthanasia.

The shocked homeowner ran into the house, where her young children, ages 5 months to 7 years, were screaming and crying after hearing the gunshots.

In a statement released later that day, the North Ridgeville police chief explained that the Vista Lake Way homeowner contacted police on Facebook, asking for help with the feral cats that for years have been causing flea infestations, leaving deceased wildlife and spreading foul odor.

Accorti believes using kittens for target practice is
'euthanasia' - and so does the police chief

When Accorti, a 32-year veteran on the force, arrived on the scene, he allegedly informed the woman that because the feral cats posed serious safety and health concerns, they would have to be euthanized should she choose to accept the Humane Society's assistance.

According to the police statement, the homeowner agreed, after which the woodpile that sheltered the animals was dismantled by Accorti and the felines were 'euthanized.'

Police Chief Mike Freeman said in the news release that the mother of four later said that she was aware that the feral cats were going to be euthanized, but did not expect it to happen just 10 feet from her patio and within earshot of her small children.

Blood on the woodpile

‘My 6-year-old came downstairs and was crying, ‘Mommy, mommy, he shot the kitty,”’ the mother tearfully recalled.

Ultimately, freeman had sided with Accorti in the matter, saying that his actions were appropriate and justifiable.

The statement goes on to say that going forward, the police department will talk with Humane Society officers about improving their communication with the public.

‘We are here to help those who seek our assistance. Our agency prides itself on not telling people, "It's not our problem or there is nothing we can do for you,"’ Freeman’s statement reads. ‘This would be the easy way out. To walk away and leave a safety issue unresolved is irresponsible.’

Accorti is not affiliated with the Ohio Humane Society, as it was previously reported. The organization has since condemned the animal control officer's actions, calling for him to be fired and charged with animal cruelty.

The incident and the police chief's response have set off a firestorm among animal lovers, some of whom went so far as to post threats and offensive comments on the local police department’s' Facebook page, which later had to be disabled.

DENNIS RADER, the BTK Killer. He worked as an
Animal Control officer, just like BARRY ACCORTI.
They have unlimited access to defenseless victims
in order to perfect their craft of abuse and death.

The Ohio SPCA was left infuriated by Accorti’s actions, as well as by Chief Freeman’s decision to clear the officer of any wrongdoing.

Director Teresa Landon said her organization wants the city to fire Accorti and charge him with animal cruelty. The retired police officer, however, was back on the job Wednesday.

‘It’s heartbreaking,’ Landon told The Plain Dealer. ‘There is no excuse for it. It’s absolutely shameful that someone with the title of humane officer would do this.’

Mike Freeman's wife busted for shoplifting

The SPCA chief explained that had Accorti been facing an immediate danger of being attacked by an animal, his actions could have been justified, but in this case, the helpless kittens were calmly sitting inside the woodpile.

 

‘They didn’t have to die. They were only 10 months old at most and they still could have been socialized,’ Landon said.

Meanwhile, the station Fox 8said that animal rights group Pooch Patrol staged a walk in North Ridgeville Wednesday morning to protest against the deadly shooting of the animals.  

(Daily Mail - June 12, 2013)