New Hampshire: Police need your help finding Ken Hale, accused of abandoning his cat to die

NEW HAMPSHIRE -- Police are asking the public for help finding a man wanted on several animal abuse charges after officers found his cat severely malnourished in an apartment in which he lived.

Police are looking for Kenneth Hale, 59, whose last know residence was 886 State St., Unit 33, Portsmouth.

Police said on Sept. 22 they responded to the State Street apartment after the property manager reported hearing an animal in distress. She said she couldn't find the tenant, so she called the police.

Police arrived and eventually entered the apartment, where they found an adult female tortoiseshell cat suffering from severe malnutrition and dehydration. Police said the animal had no food, water or sanitary conveniences.

They brought the cat to a local animal hospital for treatment, and it was rehabilitated over the course of the next several weeks.

Police said they examined utility records and found that no water had been used in the apartment since June 7. Veterinary records showed that Hale owns at least one other animal, and police are concerned for its well-being.

Police issued a warrant for Hale's arrest, charging him with three misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty.

Hale is described as a white man, standing about 6 feet tall and weighing about 250 pounds. Police said he has blond or strawberry blond hair and blue eyes. Police have also distributed two photos of Hale, the most recent from 2013.

Police said they haven't been able to locate Hale through public records or by talking to other residents. They said law enforcement databases also have been unsuccessful in finding him.

Police are asking anyone who may have seen Hale or knows of his whereabouts to call Animal Control Officer Bonnie Robinson at 603-610-7441 or to leave an anonymous tip by calling 603-431-1199 or visiting seacoastcrimestoppers.org.

(NH1 - Oct 31, 2017)