(June 25, 2019) – The Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV) is investigating the alleged abuse of a four-week-old kitten by a pre-teen in Ypsilanti.

Witnesses reported seeing the child kick the kitten twice, then toss him in the air several times—allowing the kitten to fall onto cement—then douse him in water. The kitten was bleeding from the mouth when seized by an Eastern Michigan University police officer.

The kitten, now named Beasley, has been treated for his injuries at HSHV and is recuperating in foster care.

“Beasley was terrified when he first came in,” says Melinda Szabelski, Cruelty and Rescue Supervisor at HSHV. “But fortunately, now he’s purring, playing and gaining weight.”

“It is, of course, troubling when anyone is cruel towards a small defenseless animal, but particularly so when the alleged offender is a child. Studies show this is a possible indication of problems in the home, where the child is the witness or victim of abuse himself, and a predictor of future violent behavior. We will be working with the prosecutor’s office to ensure intervention is provided,” says Tanya Hilgendorf, HSHV’s President/CEO.

While Beasley is not yet ready for adoption and will surely find a home quickly, HSHV has dozens of homeless kittens at the main shelter and the Tiny Lions cat café currently in need of loving adopters.

 

About The Humane Society of Huron Valley:

The Humane Society of Huron Valley, located in Ann Arbor, is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and relies solely on the generosity of our supporters to provide critical community programs and services. HSHV is an award-winning organization, recognized for our best practices and highest animal “save-rate” among all similar shelters in Michigan. Charity Navigator, the nation’s top charity evaluator, awarded HSHV a 4-star ranking, the highest possible. The mission of HSHV is to promote the loving, responsible care of all animals in our community. HSHV is not affiliated with any other humane organization and does not receive funding from the United Way. More information can be found on HSHV’s website (hshv.org) and on our annual report (www.hshv.org/annualreport).

 

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