Another instance of animal abuse in Avalon has led to the second death of a beloved pet. Less than three months after a pet was mortally wounded by a pellet gun in the Las Casitas area, a young, healthy cat was severely beaten by an adolescent, and despite medical intervention, died of internal injuries the following week. An investigation is underway and prosecution of the abuser is being pursued. The Catalina Island Humane Society is working with the grieving owners and law enforcement to make sure that the case is being taken seriously.

"We are very concerned that another case of animal abuse has occurred.  We hope that our community wakes up and takes this issue seriously.  The sad thing, beyond the unnecessary suffering both cats went through, is that young people who abuse animals are often themselves victims of domestic violence.  Whether you like animals or not, this is a very serious matter for our community," stated humane society president Dianne Stone.

The humane society is planning to bring humane education to classrooms this coming school year, to teach children respect for animals.  "We need volunteers to help us work with school kids.  We have the resources and materials to bring into classrooms, we just need a few more volunteers to make this happen," said Stone.

The humane society is also working hard to find homes for dozens of young cats that have been brought in by community members for spaying and neutering.  Dr. Pratt and Julie Hartley from Hermosa Animal Hospital volunteered for several hours on Tuesday to examine the cats, conduct blood tests and spay and neuter healthy cats.  "We have lots of people-friendly kittens and cats we are trying to place now.  And we will also do more sterilizations when Dr. Richard Denney arrives with his family from Texas in August," said Stone.  "We are also hoping to get a donation of a used digital camera which will make it much easier for us to take pictures of our animals to encourage adoptions."

The Catalina Island Humane Society is a 501(c)(3), private nonprofit and donations and contributions are tax-deductible.  The humane society has sterilized and placed hundreds of animals in the past several years and is dedicated to helping Catalina's pets live healthy and happy lives. If you have time to spare, the humane society has a job for you!  Help is needed to feed and care for animals, do office work, organize other volunteers, help build a website and do publicity.  Call Dianne Stone to volunteer or for more information: 310-510-1980.