Animals
Police Find Cats With ‘Suspicious’ Burns And Cuts While Serving Unrelated Arrest Warrant In Oregon
An Oregon woman arrested on an outstanding warrant is facing additional charges after arresting officers found five cats with “suspicious injuries” at her residence.
The St. Helens Police Department shared images of the injured cats on Thursday, along with a warning that “viewer discretion is advised” as the images show “animal abuse which some people may find offensive or disturbing.”
Officers were serving an unrelated arrest warrant for 29-year-old Eva Gerich at a residence on the 2500 block of Columbia Boulevard on Wednesday, Aug. 26. Gerich was allegedly armed with a knife and swung it an officer while being taken into custody, but no injuries were reported.
Meanwhile, officers found five cats at the residence with “suspicious injuries” including suspected burn injuries and cuts on the cats’ ears that “appeared to be made with scissors or an edged weapon.”
Officers transported a total of nine cats to the Columbia County Animal Shelter for evaluation and treatment.
Photos shared by the police department show disturbing injuries to at least one of the cats.
Gerich was booked into the Columbia County Jail on charges of first-degree burglary; first-degree criminal mischief; unlawful use of a weapon; menacing; animal neglect; first-degree animal abuse; and first-degree aggravated animal abuse.
Police are asking anyone with information about the neglect and abuse of the cats to contact St. Helens Police Officer Sprinzl or Chief Smith by calling 503-397-1521.
