A California town is grappling with a series of cat thefts and killings, prompting residents to take action. Jennifer Corales witnessed a man abducting a cat and reported it to the police, but authorities only instructed them to stay put instead of assisting in the pursuit.
Cat owners are heartbroken by the loss of their beloved pets, describing them as family members. The lack of information regarding the condition of the stolen cats has intensified the distress. Edith Fuentes voiced their anguish over the incident, emphasizing the deep emotional bond with their pets.
Anger is directed towards Todd Spitzer, the Republican District Attorney, following the suspect's quick release. OC Community Cats, a local animal welfare group, expressed concern over the situation, highlighting the suspect's history of harming and killing cats. Online, residents share their fear and outrage over the suspect's freedom, expressing worry for their pets’ safety.
The suspect is scheduled to appear in court on May 22nd. Santa Ana police department has been contacted for comment, but has yet to release an official statement.
Jennifer Corales wrote on the site she had seen the man picking up a cat and driving away with it, following the man in the car.
“We followed him at a distance and called the police. The police just told us to stay where we were until they arrived and not to follow him because we did not know how dangerous this person could be,” she said.
Police have not commented on the state any of the cats were found in.
Amid the horror is a heartbroken community, with owners bereft at the loss of their pets.
Edith Fuentes, who lost her cat, told Fox 11: “We are devastated, just to think about what this man did to her.
“Every time we think about it, we sit down and we cry, because your pets become like a part of your family.”
Jennifer Corrales added: “I’ve had [my cat] since he was a baby. I bottle-fed him...He’s been with me since a few weeks old. I don’t know what he might have done to my cat.”
Anger has been directed at Todd Spitzer, the Republican District Attorney, following Mr Acosta Oliveros’s release.
“That he was released so quickly is a travesty,” said Meredith Kirby, an organiser with OC Community Cats, a local animal welfare group.
“This man has a terrifying history of harming and even killing innocent cats, posing a very personal and real threat to my own feline friends,” Vanessa Rodriguez wrote online.
“Our quiet community has been shattered by the horrifying actions of Mr Oliveros… shocking as it may be, he’s out on the streets while our pets live in fear,” she added.
The Santa Ana police department was contacted for comment.
Mr Oliveros is set to attend court on May 22.
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