Nearly two dozen cats were found dead after being discovered dumped at a shopping center in Hermitage, Tennessee. The gruesome discovery has left the community in shock and raised questions about the cruelty involved in killing defenseless animals.
The cats were found by Angie Hess, who was dumpster diving for goods at the shopping center. She had come across trash bags filled with valuable items before, but nothing as horrifying as finding dead cats. Hess expressed her disbelief, asking, How can you kill a defenseless animal that has no voice and can’t fight you back?
A total of 19 cats were found stuffed inside a tote and placed in a dumpster. Hess took photos of the deceased cats and promptly called 911. She returned to the dumpster with a Home Depot employee and shockingly discovered that two cats were still alive. Hess took both surviving cats home, where she bathed them and provided the care they desperately needed.
The Metro Animal Care and Control (MACC) were alerted and arrived to remove the deceased cats. They are now leading the investigation into the cause of death and working alongside the Metro Nashville Police Department to identify the culprits. MACC is planning to review surveillance videos from the shopping center to aid in their investigation.
Meanwhile, the two surviving cats are undergoing evaluation by veterinarians. Although they are not yet ready for adoption, updated pictures show that they are recovering well and are expected to be okay. Hess hopes that the authorities can find those responsible for this despicable act of animal cruelty, stating, I think they should be charged with 19 charges of something.
It’s worth noting that MACC can only issue citations, and it will be up to the District Attorney’s office to decide whether to press charges. In Tennessee, there is an Animal Abuse Registry that lists convicted offenders. Offenders are removed from the registry after two years if they do not commit further offenses.
The incident has sparked an outcry within the community, with many calling for justice and stricter penalties for such acts of brutality towards animals. The hope is that through an investigation by MACC and collaboration with law enforcement, the responsible individuals will be located and held accountable.
As the surviving cats continue to recover, Hess hopes they can be adopted together into a loving home. The community rallies behind her and stands united against these acts of cruelty. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting and caring for our animal companions, who rely on us for their safety and well-being.
