I realize this is two abominable pet stories in one day, but a reader just sent me this story, and I’m beside myself. This is possibly even worse than the poor turtle that got beaten to death on a Wisconsin golf course while trying to lay it eggs. In this case, a cop claims that he had no choice to but to shoot five kittens outside a woman’s home in order to “euthanize them.”

Oh, and he did it with children nearby, listening to the carnage.

(UPDATE: The Ohio Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is calling for the police officer to be fired and brought up on charges for cruelty to animals.)

In a nutshell, a woman calls Animal Control because there are five feral kittens living outside her house. The “Humane Officer” shows up, tells her the shelters are full and that the animals will be going to “kitty heaven.” She understands that they need to be euthanized, so she consents. The cop then pulls out his gun and methodically shoots all five kittens dead, in front of the woman, and with her kids right inside the house listening to the carnage.

And now that the mother of the house, and much of the Internet, is outraged that this police officer shot five innocent kittens to death right outside her door, with her children fully aware of what he was doing, the North Ridgeville Police Department have issued a statement on their Facebook page claiming that this is what all humane societies do, shoot kittens in the head:

NRPD recognized the concerns of those who believe feral cats should not be killed for simply trying to survive but also acknowledges other research that recognizes the risks associated with these animals and the need to manage feral cats. Research and other animal organizations accept shooting as an acceptable means of euthanasia.

The local Ohio branch of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals responded on its Facebook page that that is a lie:

No HUMANE organization would recommend that non-threatening animals be shot as a method of euthanasia. The use of gunshot to end an animal’s life should only be used when an animal is attacking or has been injured so seriously that ending suffering must be immediate. The 8 to 10 week-old kittens posed no immediate threat to anyone. Trap, Neuter, and Release Programs (TNR) have been in place in a multitude of cities and towns throughout Ohio and the United States for years. Humane societies and shelters not choosing TNR as an option, should only be using Euthanasia by Injection (EBI).

And of course, local Police Chief Freeoman has investigated and determined that it’s appropriate for an officer to fire his weapon in order to kill defenseless kittens.

After visiting the scene, talking with the responding officer and re-interviewing the complainant, I have decided his actions were appropriate and have decided not to impose any disciplinary measures for the incident.

Oh, and Chief Freeman added that it would be “irresponsible” for the North Ridgeville Police Department not to shoot kittens in the head:

We are here to help those who seek our assistance. Our agency prides itself on not telling people, “It’s not our problem or there is nothing that we can do for you.” This would be the easy way out. To walk away and leave a safety issue unresolved is irresponsible.

You might not be surprised to hear that the cops have deleted the 1,000 seriously ticked off comments that were left behind on their Facebook page. Here are a handful of the new comments:

Absolutely incredible.