Warning: This article discusses animal cruelty, which may be distressing for some readers.
A woman has been taken into custody for allegedly ‘stomping’ a cat to death and consuming it in the presence of her neighbors.
Allexis Telia Ferrell, 27, faces charges including injuring animals, disorderly conduct, and violating prohibitions on companion animals, after reportedly killing a cat by stamping on it.
The incident reportedly took place ‘in a residential area in front of multiple people,’ making it even more shocking.
According to the Canton Police Department, the attack occurred in a housing complex in Stark County, Ohio.
Ferrell was apprehended at around 11 pm last Friday [August 16], and authorities noted that she had a blank, unsmiling expression upon her arrival at the station.
She appeared in court on Monday, where her initial bond was set at $100,000.
Her next court appearance is scheduled for August 26.
According to the arrest report, officers observed a woman holding a cat ‘which appeared to have its head smashed in’.
Blood was seen on her hands and feet, and officers even found the feline’s fur on her lips.
After taking her to Stark County jail, officers secured the cat as evidence, as stated by the police.
It remains unclear whether the cat was a stray or had an owner.
In the United States, and many other parts of the world, eating cats and dogs is widely regarded as inhumane.
Former US presidential candidate Robert F Kennedy Jr. faced backlash when a photo appeared to show him barbecuing a dog.
Despite the controversy, Kennedy denied the allegations, claiming the animal carcass he was holding was a goat.
However, in other parts of the world, consuming cats and dogs is normalized.
Last year, Gia Bảo restaurant in Vietnam offered ‘specialty cat meat’ and feline soup as part of its menu.
Following the announcement of this controversial dish, the restaurant was shut down.
Investigations revealed that the slaughterhouse had intentionally drowned 300 cats per month to prepare the dish, which was served to people in Southeast Asian countries where eating felines is relatively common.
Speaking with Metro, the restaurant owner stated he did not want to kill cats but felt it was necessary for his livelihood.
Pham Quoc Doanh said: “Before selling cat meat at this restaurant, I served other normal food and drinks.”
“However, the income was not enough to cover the living cost of my family.”
“It was then I tried selling cat meat since there was no other available restaurant serving this in the area.”
If you witness an animal in distress or in need of assistance, call 911 if a crime is occurring. You can also find a directory of animal abuse investigation agencies by state here.