Target: Diane Couri, Macon County, Illinois State’s Attorney
Goal: Seek the maximum lawful sentence, a lifetime animal-ownership ban, restitution, and mandated counseling for the individual who allegedly strangled a cat and then attempted to burn the animal’s body.
Authorities responded to multiple calls describing a horrifying scene: a man strangling a cat who was later observed swinging the animal’s body, then apparently tried to set the cat’s face on fire with a torch-style lighter. Responding officers say the animal showed visible external injuries and had a fabric tied around its neck, with the precise cause of death pending necropsy. According to local reports, the suspect also fought officers during the arrest. These details paint a deeply disturbing picture of cruelty that, if proven in court, warrants the strongest possible legal response.
Witnesses say they saw the cat being twirled overhead and that the attempted burning occurred despite police orders to stop. Such acts, as described, suggest deliberate, prolonged torment. Prosecutors have filed aggravated animal cruelty and related charges, and the case will move through the courts.
Animal cruelty is closely linked to broader threats to community safety. A strong, well-publicized sentence in this case—if the allegations are proven—can send an unmistakable message that such violence will not be tolerated. Urge the State’s Attorney to pursue the maximum penalties allowed by law, seek a lifetime ban on animal ownership, require psychiatric evaluation and treatment, and obtain restitution for veterinary and investigative costs.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear State’s Attorney Couri,
We are writing regarding the case in which a cat was allegedly strangled, swung by its body, and then subjected to an attempted burning with a torch-style lighter. As reported, officers found the animal deceased with visible injuries and a fabric tied around its neck, and the suspect allegedly resisted arrest and struck an officer. These allegations describe extreme, intentional cruelty.
If the evidence presented in court substantiates these facts, we respectfully urge your office to seek the maximum lawful sentence. We also ask that you pursue a lifetime prohibition on owning, possessing, or residing with animals; restitution to cover veterinary and investigative expenses; and mandated psychological evaluation and treatment as conditions of any sentence or probation.
A decisive outcome in this case will help protect vulnerable animals and reinforce community safety. Thank you for prioritizing animal-cruelty prosecutions and for ensuring that, where proven, such actions carry meaningful consequences.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Krysten Merriman
