Cutler Bay and Palmetto Bay facing cat serial killings

Three more mutilated cats were discovered this week in Southwest Miami-Dade, after dozens more were killed earlier this month. Residents are being urged to keep their cats indoors until the killer is caught. From the Miami Herald article:

According to residents, the cats' butchered bodies have been left like mangled trophies on their owners' yards since early May. Research in psychology and criminology has shown that individuals who commit such acts of cruelty to animals often graduate to harming humans.

''Doing this to an animal is as serious as doing it to a person. Everyone is at risk -- animals and their families alike,'' said Cindy Hewitt, former executive director of Cat Network and current free-roaming cat coordinator with the Humane Society.

The Humane Society of the United States is offering a reward of $3,500 via Crime Stoppers, and donations are being accepted to boost the reward amount. Donation checks should be made out to Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers and Donation-Cats should be printed in the subject line. Mail checks to 1030 NW 111 Ave., Miami, Fl., 33172.

Anyone with information about the crimes should call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Those with information can also contact Miami-Dade Detective Dominick Columbro at 305-234-4237 or Miami-Dade Animal Services Investigator Fernando J. Casadevall Jr. at 305-884-1102, ext. 240.

Here's hoping that they catch the person or people that are doing this soon.

Pembroke Pines puppy dealer declares bankruptcy after judge allows class action to proceed

Earlier this week, the Humane Society of the United States reported that a Broward County Circuit Court judge allowed a class action lawsuit to proceed against Wizard of Claws in Pembroke Pines. The suit accuses Wizard of Claws, its owners, and its affiliates of defrauding customers by misrepresenting the origin of puppies, and by selling puppy mill dogs who suffer from severe health problems and genetic defects. Now, the Sun Sentinel is reporting that Wizard of Claws has declared bankruptcy. The filing is for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, which will liquidate the company's assets to pay creditors.

Horse killers face a number of charges

Two horses were recently found killed and mutilated at a Miramar ranch, as reported in the Sun Sentinel. On Thursday police announced that the killers face a number of charges, including animal cruelty and burglary. Police are asking anyone with information to call Broward CountyCrime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS (8477).

Yacht owner fined over endangered species contraband

Florida federal judge William Dimitrouleas fined the owner of a yacht $150,000 after the remains of dozens of endagered species were discovered on board. Federal agents found the remains of a zebra, African lion, elephant (hide and tusks), python, jaguar and more. NBC quotes U.S. District Attorney Alex Acosta as saying: "Personally, I think these items are rather creepy items and I would not want them in my house, but some people like them and are willing to buy them. The reason laws exist is because there is a market." According to the Miami Herald's article on the case, the zebra hide was being used to adorn a child's bed.

Humane Scorecard for Florida's federal legislators

The Humane Society Legislative Fund recently released its humane scorecard which provides a snapshot of how members of Congress rank on animal protection issues. In addition to listing legislative victories, the report scores Florida's Senators and House Representatives as to their voting record on animal issues. Out of a total score of 100, Senator Nelson scored 50, while Senator Martinez scored 17. On the House side, high scores were turned in by Representatives Klein and Wasserman-Schultz with scores of 92. Representative Stearns and former Representative Feeney ranked the lowest with scores of zero. A pdf of the full report on the 110th Congress is available at this link.

Complaint filed for harm to sea turtles by bottom longline fishing

Earthjustice, the Center for Biological Diversity, Defenders of Wildlife, and a coalition of conservation groups sued the National Marine Fisheries Service last month in an effort to get the agency to create protections for imperiled sea turtles. From the press release:

“Important populations of sea turtles in the Gulf have been illegally killed by the hundreds since 2006 in flagrant violation of the Endangered Species Act,” said Steve Roady, an attorney with Earthjustice. “Now that the fishery is in full force for the season, it has become necessary to go to court to require the new administration to take emergency action to protect these vulnerable turtles.”

A copy of the complaint is available at Defenders of Wildlife's website at this link.