person responsible for throwing kittens from a moving vehicle in Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, resulting in their deaths.
Bethel Park Police are investigating after receiving multiple calls on Saturday afternoon reporting that someone was throwing items from a vehicle in the area of Connor Road and Old Connor Road and along Library Road. Police subsequently determined that the items were deceased kittens.
According to witnesses, at least one of the kittens was still alive after being thrown from the vehicle and was subsequently struck by a car.
“This is an appalling act of cruelty, and whoever did this must be held accountable,” said Wayne Pacelle, president of Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy. “These kittens were helpless, and someone deliberately put them in harm’s way and left them to die. We are offering this reward to encourage anyone who witnessed this horrific act or has information about the vehicle or the person responsible to come forward.”
“This case demonstrates why witnesses and members of the public can play such an important role in stopping animal cruelty,” Pacelle said. “Someone saw these kittens being thrown from a vehicle. Someone may have seen the vehicle, recognized the driver, or have information that investigators don’t yet have. We urge that person to speak up.”
Bethel Park Police have asked anyone who witnessed the incident or has information that could assist the investigation to contact police. Investigators have emphasized that even seemingly insignificant information could help identify the person responsible.
“Cruelty like this has no place in our communities, and the people of Bethel Park can help ensure that this case does not go unanswered,” said Natalie Ahwesh, Pennsylvania state director for Animal Wellness Action. “We are asking anyone who may have seen something unusual that afternoon to take a moment to consider whether what they saw could help investigators. Coming forward with information can make a real difference in bringing the person responsible to justice.”
Animal Wellness Action encourages anyone with information about this case to contact law enforcement and provide investigators with any relevant information, including observations about the vehicle, its occupants, or the locations and times where the kittens were thrown.
The $2,500 reward will be paid for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individual or individuals responsible.
Anyone with information should contact: Bethel Park Police at (412) 831-6800. There is also an anonymous Crime Watch tip line: (412) 851-BPPD (2773). Anyone with information on animal cruelty cases also may email tips@animalwellnessaction.org.
Animal Wellness Action is also working to secure passage of the Animal Cruelty Enforcement (ACE) Act, H.R. 1477, bipartisan legislation that would establish a dedicated Animal Cruelty Crimes Section within the U.S. Department of Justice to strengthen enforcement of federal anti-cruelty laws. The organization has long pressed federal authorities to devote greater resources to investigating and prosecuting serious animal cruelty crimes and continues to work with lawmakers, prosecutors, and law enforcement agencies to ensure perpetrators are held accountable.