Target: José Garza, District Attorney, Travis County, Texas
Goal: Pursue maximum animal cruelty penalties against individual accused of abandoning dozens of cats inside a vacant apartment without adequate care.
A horrifying animal cruelty investigation intensified after management reportedly discovered 15 cats trapped inside a vacant South Austin apartment filled with standing water, debris, waste, and severe hoarding conditions. Authorities allege that Nayzak Najm moved out of the residence in mid-January after surrendering the apartment keys while leaving the animals behind without proper care or supervision.
Investigators reportedly discovered twelve surviving cats suffering from extreme emaciation and severe muscle wasting after surviving for weeks inside the contaminated environment. One cat was reportedly found in such catastrophic physical condition that emergency veterinarians performed humane euthanasia to prevent further suffering. Authorities say they additionally discovered two dead cats on the apartment floor.
The Austin Police Department’s Animal Cruelty Unit filed 13 Class A misdemeanor charges connected to the investigation while surviving animals were transferred into emergency foster and medical care. Animal welfare advocates argue that prolonged confinement in the reported conditions may have caused severe dehydration, starvation, illness, and psychological trauma to the surviving cats.
The case remains in its earliest pretrial phase, and no prosecution or sentencing has occurred. If substantiated, these allegations would represent severe abandonment and prolonged neglect inflicted upon defenseless companion animals trapped without any means of survival or escape.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear DA Garza,
Authorities have made allegations involving 15 cats abandoned inside a vacant apartment filled with waste, standing water, and dangerous hoarding conditions. Investigators reportedly discovered multiple cats suffering from severe emaciation while two additional cats were found dead.
Officials filed multiple animal cruelty charges following allegations that the animals were left trapped inside the apartment for weeks without proper care. If proven, the alleged conduct would represent prolonged neglect and severe suffering inflicted upon vulnerable companion animals.
We urge your office to pursue maximum penalties against any individuals found responsible for this alleged abandonment and cruelty case.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Ömer Taha Çetin
