Reward offered for information on suspect in case of cats allegedly poisoned by antifreeze in Warren
An organization is offering a reward for anyone with information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in the alleged poisoning three cats with antifreeze in Warren.
According to a press release, Alley Cat Allies, an organization based out of Bethesda, Maryland is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of any suspect(s) in this case.
Humane agents with the Animal Welfare League (AWL) of Trumbull County responded to the Blue Water Manor mobile home community in Warren on Wednesday, March 26 for an animal report.
Investigators found three bowls containing tuna mixed with antifreeze and bleach, as well as a discarded bottle of bleach on the ground near the bowls.
A stray cat that agents suspect to have ingested the mixture died. After her death agents found out she was also pregnant with three kittens.
“It's a very painful and slow death for the animal. All their organs start to shut down. It's very, very painful,” Charles Pike, the Chief Humane Officer for the Animal Welfare League said. “Whoever has done this I want them to know that what you did is inexcusable.”
Two other indoor-outdoor cats that were pets in the neighborhood were showing symptoms of ingesting the same poison the following days. They were taken to veterinarians where they had to be humanely euthanized.
Investigators have strong belief that it was an intentional act to kill at least one of the animals.
“It was pretty obvious there was three bowls there were actually two placed out behind the individuals that were investigating we had one that was a couple of homes over,” Pike said.
According to the release, it only takes a teaspoon of ethylene glycol, which is the main ingredient to antifreeze to poison a cat. The ingredient has a sweet taste that attracts animals.
"Alley Cat Allies is working with Trumbull AWL to ensure justice is served for the cats who suffered and died under this act of senseless, disturbing cruelty. We ask anyone with information to please come forward, for the sake of these cats and the many more whose lives are at risk right now," said Alley Cat Allies President and CEO Charlene Pedrolie.
Investigators do have a few suspects but no arrests or charges have been made as of Tuesday. If it’s found that someone knowingly killed all three animals they could be facing felony charges.
If you have any information on this incident or who may have been involved, you're asked to contact AWL of Trumbull County's Humane Department at 330-539-5300 or via email at humane@AWLTrumbull.com.
