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Volunteers for Animals offering $750 reward in animal cruelty case

By Howard B. Owens

Via The Batavian's news partner, WBTA:

A man walking a dog on East Main Street sometime two weeks ago reportedly stomped a cat to death and Volunteers for Animals is offering a $750 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the culprit.

"The owner of the dog sent the dog after the cat and the cat was being thrown up in the air," said Wendy Castleman, with the volunteers. "Then the man stomped on the cat, and according to the examination by a local veterinarian, the cat had numerous injuries caused by the dog as well as a broken spine and a crushed skull caused by the stomping."

The incident occurred around 6:30 p.m., Dec. 3, Castleman said, in the area of 600 E. Main St., Batavia.

"We see a lot of neglect at the shelter but this is different in that it is a very violent act," Castleman said. "We all found it extremely disturbing that someone would do this."

The volunteers initially offered a $500 reward, but through a donation this morning were able to up the reward to $750.

Batavia Police encourages anyone with information to call their confidential tipline at 345-6370.

Wendy Castleman

Here is more information:

$750 REWARD FOR INFORMATION LEADING TO THE ARREST OF A TALL WHITE MALE WITH A LARGE DARK BROWN GERMAN SHEPHERD WHO WAS OBSERVED KILLING A CAT NEAR RACEWAY MINIMARKET ON EAST MAIN STREET IN BATAVIA, NY ON WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3RD.

Dec 16, 2014, 3:08pm Permalink
anne crotzer

Who witnessed this and let him go??? This is beyond disturbing!!!! PLEASE come forward, this scumbag needs to be punished to the fullest extent! !!!!
(Have dog licenses been checked? )

Dec 16, 2014, 3:26pm Permalink
Brenda Ranney

I believe I read that the witness was threatened by the man. Can't blame them for not physically stopping him he obliviously extremely disturbed.
I've seen him before with the dog walking Main Street across from Pizza Hut. Only noticed him because of the dog which was leashed and calm. Sept or early Oct.

Dec 16, 2014, 3:37pm Permalink
Bob Price

I can't believe nobody else didn't see or record this in this day and age.Any surveillance cameras on nearby businesses? As far as not stopping him- if it was a large dog like a German Sheperd,what's to say he wouldn't sic the dog on you????

Dec 16, 2014, 5:57pm Permalink
Ken Mistler

I see this guy. (If it's him) black shepherd walking with a guy late sixties white hair black clothes. Drives a mustang convertible. Parks downtown bye save a lot. Walks to central tractor and back. Daily. I will add 200 dollars to any reward if this person is convicted.

Dec 16, 2014, 6:30pm Permalink
Jack Dorf

I used to see this guy Ken is talking about 2-3 times a week walking his dog. He sticks out like a sore thumb with white fonzy hair style and all black clothes. Just a matter of time before he pops up again.

Dec 17, 2014, 10:52am Permalink
Ed Hartgrove

Ken, and Jack: According to the Daily, "The suspect is described as “a young, white male” about six feet tall."

Not saying that THAT description of him is accurate. But, unless you're in your 80's or more, you'd not be likely to describe a man in his late sixties as "young".

Time will tell. It's a horrible crime, and there's a "price on his head". Somebody will probably know who it could be.

Dec 16, 2014, 9:25pm Permalink
Debra Nanni

The older gentleman with the white hair is a very nice man and his dog is very well trained and controlled. He has been around for years and I think that it says a lot that he gets out and walks that dog several times a day. I certainly hope he did not read the post about his "fonzy" hair cut.

His shepard mix is black not brown and he is not a tall younger man.

I just feel people should be a little more careful when judging someone just because they happen to also be out walking their dog daily.

Dec 17, 2014, 8:59am Permalink
Jack Dorf

Debra, He may be the nicest person and not guilty of anything. I never accused him of being the person that killed the cat. I was not mocking him at all. #1 He does have white hair and his hair style is called the "Fonzy" just like short on top and long in back is called a "Mullet". Whenever I have seen him especially in the summer he wears all black, shirt, shorts, socks and shoes. #2 With white hair and wearing all black he does stick out. I wasn't judging him at all, I said nothing disparaging about him. I was describing him. If someone asked you to describe him what would you say?? I was stating that I see the same person Ken was referring to. He may very well have nothing to do with this at all.

Dec 17, 2014, 11:12am Permalink
Mary E DelPlato

he may act nice but he showed his rage and anger when he stomped a defenseless creature to death....he has to man up and and face the consequences of his actions period.....what else is he capable of...we all have bad days but we dont take it out on a defenseless innocent creature...

Dec 17, 2014, 11:08am Permalink
Debra Nanni

You are right Jack. I apologize if I was jumping on your post in particular. With the string of posts that were being created it sounded like he was being zeroed in on because he had a certain haircut and black clothes. I just thought we should be more careful of convicting a guy just because he walked his dog and looked a certain way. Didn't mean to disrespect your opinion in particular.

Dec 17, 2014, 11:52am Permalink

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