A firefighter in El Paso, Texas turned himself in on an arrest warrant after he was accused of leaving out poisoned cat food for animals in a neighborhood.
According to officials from the El Paso Police Department, residents reported suspicious behavior on May 28.
“Residents observed a man placing plates of cat food in the area, which neighbors found suspicious,” officials said in a press release. “Days later, five cats and one dog became ill and died due to the tainted food.”
The police department’s Animal Cruelty Investigation Unit carried out an investigation and learned that Lieutenant Shawn Hanke of the El Paso Fire Department was responsible for leaving the food out for the animals.
According to KFOX14, the affidavit stated that a woman reported that she saw a plate of food left on her porch, which her pets had access to, but it did not contain “normal pet food.”
Other plates that were found were eaten from, leading to the deaths of the other animals. The outlet reported that the affidavit stated that a neighborhood cat and the woman’s neighbor’s dog were found dead with white foam and a pink substance around their mouths.
After testing the food, the affidavit stated ibuprofen was in the food on the plates.
Hanke turned himself in for these charges, and his bond was set for $15,000.
According to officials, animal cruelty causing death is a third-degree felony in Texas. Those convicted may face up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
“The City of El Paso and Fire Department do not condone this type of behavior and take this allegation seriously,” said El Paso Fire Chief Mario D’Agostino in a statement sent to Newsweek. “The individual is currently on administrative leave pending the investigation.”
Cases of animal cruelty span across the country.
Newsweek reported in early October that Ruth Rupprect was arrested on drug and animal cruelty charges. She is the owner of SAFFARI (Save a Furry Friend Animal Rescue Inc.), which was established in 2012 as an animal rescue operation.
However, officials with Florida’s Flagler County Sheriff’s Office alleged that Rupprect used the organization as a front for selling drugs. An investigation ensued in May 2021 after a puppy died within days of being adopted from her organization.
When investigators searched her Palm Coast house after obtaining a warrant, they discovered more than $20,000 in cash, more than 100 prescription medications and several dead and alive animals in filthy conditions.
Police seized 46 animals from the property, and the conditions the animals were found in resulted in another investigation for animal cruelty.
Rupprecht was subsequently arrested on drug charges and for animal cruelty.
“This woman used innocent animals as a front for her drug-dealing business and didn’t even properly care for them,” Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly told Newsweek. “She also preyed on the generosity of our community and the hearts of persons unknowing adopting very sick animals.”
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Original Article: Firefighter Who Allegedly Left Poisoned Food That Killed Cats and Dog Faces Felony Charges
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Both of those people must be made accountable!
Make the bastard EAT IT, CHOKE AND DIE!
If the city cares about the animals, then go catch all the feral cats and strayed dogs. El Paso known problems with these animals and do nothing…until someone like this fire fighter got fed up and taking the law in his own hands. He is wrong for killing these animals but the animal shelters are to blame for not doing their job. Those who adamantly think this post is in appropriate, then attend city council meetings and address the issue, or better yet, go to the animal shelter and adopt a pet.
Do not let this scumbag safely retire and collect a lieutenants retirement pay!!!!!!
I don’t understand why do this other than just evil! I have people drop of animals all the time because we have an old farm never once have I ever thought of killing them. I have seen them throw a kitten out of a window while they’re still moving I know Karma will take care of them. I always have been able to find them homes or catch them like the kitten and take it to a shelter. This guy should get the maximum he can for this he’s horrible.