OREGON -- A $5,000 reward has been posted for information leading to the conviction of whoever stabbed two cats in Northeast Portland last month.
The nonprofit Animal Legal Defense Fund, dedicated to advancing interests of animals through the legal system, offered the reward after The Oregonian/OregonLive published a story about Sarah Shapiro, who returned to her home in Portland's Woodlawn neighborhood on June 23 after a trip to find her cats had been stabbed.
"We need the community to speak up here," said Scott Heiser, the defense fund's criminal justice program director. "As is common in child and elder abuse cases, these victim cats cannot speak for themselves -- let alone identify those who harmed them."
Heiser said studies show animal abuse can be the first signs of someone whose behavior may escalate to violence against people.
"Whoever did this poses a very real threat to the community as the research is unambiguous — those who intentionally harm animals are five times more likely to harm humans," Heiser said.
Under Oregon law, aggravated animal abuse is class C felony that carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $125,000 fine.
Veterinarians determined that Shapiro's cats, named Alibi and Grand Theft Auto, both were stabbed with stabbed with something long and sharp, like a knife. Both cats survived, but required emergency surgery at DoveLewis Emergency Animal Hospital.
Anyone with information about the abuse or similar incidents can email Randall Brown, chief field supervisor for Multnomah County Animal Services, or call him at 503-988-9079.
(OregonLive.com - Jul 30, 2015)
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