Warning: Graphic images below show animal cruelty.
25 News has learned the two cats were found Tuesday morning on the corner of Bagby and 9th Street on power lines. There is a reward of $1,000 for information on the cats.
BROADCAST TRANSCRIPT:
“I just finished my third year, I’ve never seen anything like this no,” said Baylor student Kate Mazar
“I’m definitely disturbed by it, just seem’s like an unnecessary meaningless thing that happened,” said Baylor student John Esler.
Baylor students who live near the corner of 9th and Bagby near Baylor University were shocked to hear two cats were found dead hanging by the power lines in front of a home Tuesday morning.
“Pranks among people in this area are common, but I feel like that doesn’t get back at anyone, it’s almost like sick action,” said John Esler.
Baylor issued a statement about the cats, saying it is "aware of the situation being reported on local and social media regarding two cats that were discovered hanging from telephone lines near the Baylor campus.
"The University is currently gathering information to determine if Baylor students are involved in this situation, which is abhorrent and does not reflect Baylor’s Christian values or any form of human decency. The Baylor Department of Public Safety and Division of Student Life are both being kept abreast of developments in this situation and are supportive of the investigation by the Waco Police Department.
"If anyone has information concerning this incident, Baylor strongly encourages you to contact the Waco Police Department. If a Baylor student is found to be involved, the University will support the law enforcement actions taken by Waco Police and also engage its own internal student disciplinary processes."
But a “prank” of this caliber was nothing to laugh about for Ciara Dunlap and her children—who were first to spot the cat around 10 a.m. Tuesday.
“When I pull up I see the cat, and then there’s a whole other cat up there, So I was like “oh my god, and my kids are like why did they do they, they’re freaking out cause they like cats, they’re like they need to go to jail, you need to call the police,” said Ciara Dunlap.
Video taken by Michelle Ann on Facebook shows the cats being taken down by the Waco Fire Department later that Tuesday.
Michelle said she saw one cat tied around it’s stomach and the other cat tied around it’s neck, both hanging by shoelaces. She said animal control took the cats and will perform necropsies on them. Meanwhile, neighbors on 9th Street are praying this doesn’t happen again.
“I hope that’s the last one, it’s something that never should have happened in the first place,” said Esler.
These surrounding houses are mostly home to fraternities. 25News’ Dominique Leh spoke with one nearby fraternity about what they know. A member said most students have packed up and left for the year and they were saddened this happened right in front of their homes, and hope someone comes forward with information.
This is an ongoing investigation; Waco Police Department has not made any arrests. Currently there is a $1000 reward for anyone with information.
The nonprofit organization ABC shared a statement with 25 News about the discovery of animals hanging from trees in Waco on May 20.
The organization said it has been made aware of the mistreatment of cats in a Waco neighborhood on Tuesday. Pictures shared on social media show two cats hanging from above.
ABC says it is not involved in the investigation but is advocating for the welfare of people and animals.
ABC is a nonprofit organization providing access to preventative veterinary care in McLennan County, leading Waco’s TNR work since 2004.
Read the full statement here:
ABC is deeply saddened to hear about the cruel event that occurred involving two Waco cats on May 20th. The information can be found on the internet, so we will not be including those here. We strongly condemn cruelty or abuse to any animal. Our hearts are with those who provide daily food, shelter, and love to free-roaming cats. Although ABC is not involved in the ongoing investigation, we share strong emotions that come with a community experiencing this tragedy.
Clinic staff, volunteers, individual caretakers, and partner organizations continue to Trap-Neuter-Return dozens of free-roaming cats every week. TNR is the only humane and effective approach to community cat populations. The process of TNR is humanely trapping, vaccinating, spaying or neutering, and returning the cat to the outdoor area from which they came. These often misunderstood cats go on to live longer, healthier lives; many becoming more socialize and being absorbed into welcoming homes. Spay and neuter of cats and dogs reduces over-population which reduces opportunities for neglect, cruelty and violence.
ABC has led Waco’s TNR work since 2004, performing over 2,000 spay or neuter procedures for area cats every year. Cats should be spayed or neutered at 4-5 months of age, before reproduction activities begin. Cats typically have 2-3 litters/year and 3-6 kittens per litter. For more information about TNR, visit https://www.animalbirthcontrol.org/commcat-tnr
We are deeply grateful to all in our community who advocate for the welfare of people and animals. Harm to animals is strongly linked to harm to people. If you have concerns about animal mistreatment or need help dealing with this tragedy, contact Heart of Texas Behavioral Health Network, 866-752-3451.
Animal advocacy groups in Central Texas expressed their support and condolences
This is a developing story. 25 News has reached out to law enforcement for more information.
