A chilling case of alleged animal cruelty has led to the arrest of a man in West Bend, Wisconsin. A 26-year-old man is accused of sealing eight of his cats in a plastic container and leaving it near a dumpster. Tragically, seven of the eight cats died.
The incident began on November 2nd. The West Bend Police Department was called just past noon after the container was discovered.
The Sole Survivor
One cat miraculously survived the ordeal. She was rushed to an emergency veterinary clinic. The Washington County Humane Society (WCHS) is now caring for her.
The WCHS called her survival “nothing short of miraculous.” The cat, now named Helena, is reportedly eating, drinking, and interacting well with shelter staff.
Police Statement and Motive
Police quickly located and arrested the 26-year-old man. He faces seven counts of mistreatment to animals causing death.
The accused reportedly admitted his actions to authorities. He claimed he had placed eight of his eleven cats in the container because he and his girlfriend could no longer afford to feed them all. He allegedly did this while his girlfriend was out of town. She reportedly discovered what he had done upon her return.
The case is now in the hands of the Washington County District Attorney’s Office. They will determine formal charges. This decision will come after the necropsies of the deceased cats are complete.