FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Shane Kizer (940) 349-7241 Shane.Kizer@cityofdenton.com

Cruelty to an Animal
(Non-Livestock)

DENTON, TX, December 21, 2016 On December 16, at 9:30 am, the Denton Police Department

responded to a call at the Linda McNatt Animal Adoption Center at 3717 N. Elm St. It was
reported that an employee had injured and killed a kitten while he was working at the Center.
Upon arrival, the responding officer was informed the suspect had previously given a notice of
resignation and he committed the act on his last day of employment there.
The officer spoke to a Center employee who witnessed the offense. The witness stated she was
in the cat area with the suspect on the morning of December 15th. She stated the suspect was
holding the kitten while attempting to change its collar. The kitten became irritated and bit the
suspects hand. The suspect then raised up the hand he was holding the kitten with and threw it
forcefully on the floor. The kitten died shortly after this from the injuries it sustained.
The Center has a policy to report anytime an employee is bitten by an animal. However, the
suspect did not report it and failed to seek medical attention for the kitten. The suspect logged
the animal out as, sick, died in shelter.
The Denton Police Department is currently investigating the report. Under the statute Cruelty
to Non-Livestock Animals it states a person commits and offense if the person tortures an
animal or in a cruel manner kills or causes serious bodily injury to an animal.
This report remains under investigation.

Contact: Officer Shane Kizer, (940) 349-7241, shane.kizer@cityofdenton.com

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