Wednesday, June 20, 2007
For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Angela Speed
(414) 431-6104 aspeed@wihumane.org

Kitten Abused by Children Just Steps from WHS

MILWAUKEE – A Milwaukee woman brought in a kitten to the Wisconsin Humane Society this afternoon with a horrific story. She saw several children dangling a tiny kitten over the Wisconsin Avenue Bridge, suspended with only a string and slowly being strangled. The incident happened barely a block from the shelter. The woman was able to rescue the kitten from the terrible abuse and immediately brought it the few steps to safety. The children ran off and were not apprehended.

WHS Veterinarians are currently assessing the kitten’s health and will treat him for any injuries or illnesses they discover. When he was first admitted, the kitten was shaking and visibly distressed, but his temperament has since improved. He is more settled, yet still clings to whomever is holding him.

Ironically, the PAL Program (People and Animals Learning) was being conducted at WHS when the event occurred. The PAL program teaches at-risk youth about demonstrating respect and kindness towards animals, animal handling and helps kids develop meaningful relationships with animals.

Whenever an animal is abused, a chain reaction begins in our community. Not only does an innocent animal get injured, but the person who commits the offense often falls into a cycle that could ultimately result in violence against other people. The evidence of a link between cruelty to animals and violence toward humans is compelling. In the vast majority of cases, cruelty to animals is just one aspect of a social environment marked by violence. In fact, people who abuse animals are five times more likely to commit violent crime.

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