ENGLAND – A total of three teenagers are due to appear in court after a cat was allegedly killed.
Leo the cat, who was just three, was found dead in Riddings park on Thursday, August 11. The cat’s death sparked completely outrage on social media, with a Facebook post from his family calling for help to track down the alleged killers being shared more than 51,000 times.
Leo the cat was found dead in Riddings Park
A spokesman for the Derbyshire police said three teenagers, aged 15, 16 and 17, have each been interviewed by police. All three have been reported for summons and need attend court. No date has yet been revealed for that particular hearing.
The spokesman warned the public to in no way threaten the families of the teenagers. He stated: “Officers investigating the case would like to remind the public that further threats or action against the youths or identifying them on Facebook is illegal. It may also be detrimental to the investigation and may hinder bringing any suspects to justice”.
Nevertheless, Leo the cat’s family were left distraught by his death.
“It is important that people remember that they themselves could be reported to police if criminal damage is caused or explicit
threats/malicious messages are made. If people have information relating to the incident, then officers need to hear from them directly. If you can help with the investigation, please call on 101 quoting incident number 376 of August 11. You can also call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.”
Leo the cat’s family were left distraught by his death
Meanwhile, an online campaign to raise the cash needed for the cremation and a memorial box for Leo has now raised $3,000, despite the original target of just $400. Owner Katie Dowler-Chell, 31, of Riddings, previously said she had been “overwhelmed” by the response.
Some of the additional cash raised is now set to go to Swanwick’s Woodland Nook Cat Rescue Centre, where Ms. Dowler-Chell volunteers. She stated today of the rest: “I’ve e-mailed [Amber Valley MP] Nigel Mills to inform him of my intentions to invest it in the community. I think the parks in the area need more lighting, more things for the children. Hopefully, some of the cash can go towards that.”
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