Four Kittens Allegedly Beaten to Death by Teacher Deserve Justice

Target: Dade Phelan, Speaker of Texas House of Representatives

Goal: Require veterinary professionals to report suspected cases of animal cruelty.

Four innocent kittens were allegedly subjected to torture and brutal deaths at the hands of their caretaker. Graham Reid, a former high school teacher, has been charged with four counts of cruelty to animals in relation to the deaths of kittens Broccoli, Cabbage, Parsnip, and Carrot. Each young animal reportedly died in separate horrific incidents over a five-month period.

In addition to seemingly tell-tale signs of abuse such as broken bones, bloodied body parts, and cut tails, Reed allegedly confessed to killing his kittens in escalating acts of cruelty. The suspect apparently used various instruments at his disposal to beat and kill these poor animals, including scratching posts, metal bars, and litter scoops. This man reportedly told authorities that he committed the heinous acts to relive stress and because they made him feel “powerful.”

Most disturbing of all, this sick pattern of seeming abuse apparently escaped the notice of local veterinarians. A tip did eventually lead to Reid’s arrest. Before this moment, however, every kitten that died had reportedly been taken to vets multiple times. In each death, the suspect was said to give the excuse that the animals died at home. If veterinarians were required to report suspected abuse, these tragedies may have been prevented. Texas, however, is one of multiple states with no such laws.

Sign the petition below to demand legislators use their full power to save animals like these kittens from preventable horror.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear Speaker Phelan

Four innocent living beings were failed by one system that seemingly looked the other way as their alleged abuse turned to agonizing death. Please do not let the legal system fail them in kind. Animal cruelty charges brought in Fort Bend County against Graham Reid in the torture and murder of kittens under his care cannot be diminished or dismissed.

Over a five-month period, this man (a former teacher responsible for the well-being of other innocents) allegedly brutalized these young animals with ultimately deadly beatings. In each case, he reportedly took the kittens to veterinarians and was allowed to make excuses for the visible signs of trauma on them. A mandatory reporting law (much like the ones applied to reporting suspected child abuse) for animal cruelty could have saved these innocent lives.  Cruel abusers cannot be given the opportunity to hurt another animal or person again. Please help prevent such horrible crimes by advocating for such a law as soon as possible.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

Photo Credit: Pixabay