News Alert: June 12, 2009

1. Teen Kills Kitten in Oven; Faces 10-Year Sentence
2. ASPCA Happy Tails: Sweet Georgy Peach
3. Save a Life this Summer: Host Your Own ASPCA Event
4. Nominate Kitty Candidates for ASPCA Cat of the Year

1. Teen Kills Kitten in Oven; Faces 10-Year Sentence

On June 3, ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement Agents arrested Cheyenne Cherry, a 17-year-old resident of the Bronx, for allegedly killing a two-month-old kitten by burning her to death in an oven. In addition to cruelty to animals, Cherry was charged with multiple counts of burglary, arson and criminal mischief. Under New York State law, Cherry is considered an adult and faces more than 10 years in prison if convicted of all charges.

Cherry admits that she broke into the home of an ex-roommate on May 6 with the intent to "play a joke and mess up her apartment." Cherry and an accomplice allegedly threw bleach on the walls of the apartment, slashed furniture and stole various items. Before leaving, the pair put the victim's kitten, Tiger Lily, into the hot oven.

When police arrived at the Bronx apartment to investigate smoke complaints, Tiger Lily was found dead. Her remains were taken to ASPCA Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital, where veterinarians had to perform a necropsy to determine the sex of the badly burned kitten.

According to Joseph Pentangelo, Assistant Director of ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement, Cherry's explanation for placing the kitten in the oven was simply: "I hate cats."

If you know of a child or teen who is hurting animals, please report his or her behavior to the proper authorities—kids who assault animals may eventually act out on people. The ASPCA offers a list of ways to intervene when a child or teen displays dangerous behavior around animals. 

To report animal cruelty in New York City, contact the ASPCA anonymous tip line at (877) THE-ASPCA. Visit our Report Cruelty FAQ to learn how to report cruelty elsewhere.

2. ASPCA Happy Tails: Sweet Georgy Peach

In late September 2008, Nigel Glenday of Manhattan visited the ASPCA Adoption Center with his girlfriend, Betsy. Nigel had never lived with a cat before, but his girlfriend, a lifelong pet lover, was eager to help him find a new friend for his tiny New York apartment.

When he met Georgiana, a small, one-year-old Tabby cat, he wasn't quite convinced. "I was looking for an active, personable cat; someone who wouldn't be shy to speak her mind," Nigel says. "Georgy was shy when we first met her and not terribly talkative—she looked like she'd spent some rough time on the streets before she found her way to the ASPCA."

But Betsy was drawn to Georgy, so Nigel was more than happy to give the cat a new home. "After spending the first day in seclusion under my couch, Georgy eventually sprang out of her shell!" Nigel enthuses. "Now she's always ready for an invigorating chase after her mouse toys and has become ruler of the house."

Recognizing a good thing when she hears it, Georgy promptly skips over whenever her new pet parent calls her name. "When I'm sitting at my desk, she will stop by, politely tap me on the leg and ask for some attention," says Nigel. "If I'm too busy, she's happy to climb on my shoulder or sit on the desk to keep me company."

Like the rest of her personality, Georgy's curiosity has also grown in recent months. "Closets are a great mystery to be unlocked," Nigel explains. "And staring contests with balcony pigeons are also a regular pastime."

"Our Georgy has really become the life of the party," he adds. "But that never prevents a good nap here and there!"

3. Save a Life this Summer: Host Your Own ASPCA Event

Summer is finally here and if you're anything like us, you're gearing up for three months of BBQs, picnics and other outdoor events. The great news is that you can turn your warm-weather fun into lifesaving efforts for animals. 

The ASPCA recently launched the Ambassadors program, which gives you the ability to host your own grassroots fundraiser for animals in need. On the Ambassadors site, you'll find logos, stationery and a variety of marketing materials to help you spread the word about your event. 

Check out these ideas:

• Turn up the music, grab some suds and hold a neighborhood car wash with proceeds going to the ASPCA.
• Host a neighborhood BBQ or block party and take voluntary donations.
• Work with local bands to organize a concert and donate the cover charge.
• Organize a bake or crafts sale—or an arts fair—and contribute the proceeds.
• Register to participate in a walk, marathon or other active event to raise money on behalf of the animals in our care.

Then show us your event! Upload a short video (no longer than 60 seconds!) to YouTube telling us why you decided to become an ASPCA Ambassador and include footage of your event. Send a link to ASPCAAmbassadors@aspca.org—you may be featured on our website. As always, the sky's the limit! Be creative, be kind and be a voice for animals this summer!

Watch how the ASPCA and animal lovers like you rallied on behalf of animals this past April.

4. Nominate Kitty Candidates for ASPCA Cat of the Year

Hey, cat lovers! Do you know of an exceptionally gifted or heroic kitty? One who showed how extraordinary he or she could be by helping a person or another animal this past year? The ASPCA is accepting nominations for the Cat of the Year, and we'd love to know who you think deserves the crown. The winning feline and pet parent will receive a trip to New York City and attend the ASPCA Humane Awards Luncheon, where they'll be honored along with other worthy winners.

The annual ASPCA Humane Awards honors those pets and people who've gone above and beyond to help animals—last year's Cat of the Year was Libby, a steadfast guide to her blind canine friend, Cashew!

Check out the other award categories open for nominations, including Dog, Firefighter and Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. And get clickin' soon—the deadline for entries is Wednesday, July 15, at noon (EST)!

For more information about the ASPCA Humane Awards, please visit us online.

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