One Bobcat Kitten Shines Light on All That Is Wrong

On Oct. 15, 2019 a bobcat kitten that mistakenly wandered into an office at a school in a wooded area on the edge of Eugene, OR was unnecessarily and brutally killed by state authorities via "blunt force trauma to the head." The bludgeoning of this young animal--who appeared healthy, was not behaving aggressively, and was either a hungry orphan or made the mistake of being a curious cat--was outrageous and inhumane. We took action!

 

We strongly condemned the actions of the officials involved. These include the Oregon State Police (OSP), who killed the kitten, and the Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW), who condoned it and are hiding behind the false notion that killing it was essential for public safety and that it was "humanely euthanized." Neither are true.

The kitten posed no threat to public safety and could have be let out the window and/or released back into the wild. By definition, euthanasia is a method of last resort for a sick or diseased animal, which this was not. ODFW's indifference to the welfare of the wildlife they have been sworn to protect is stunning and unacceptable.

We Urge Oregon Governor and Legislators for Investigation and Reform; 62 Veterinarians Join In

• Read our director's testimony to House Interim Committee on Natural Resources - presented live by Brooks Fahy, Nov. 20, 2019
• Read our petition to Gov. Kate Brown signed by 62 veterinarians, submitted Nov. 13, 2019. It addresses the wrongful killing and violation of AVMA guidelines for euthanasia and demands substantive action.
• Read our joint press release with the Humane Society of the United States, issued Oct. 23, 2019, condemning Oregon agencies and demanding change

News Coverage

The story justifiably went viral. Here are just a few headlines:

• OSP, wildlife experts testify after bobcat bludgeoned to death in Eugene- FOX 12 KPTV, Nov. 20, 2019
• State lawmakers hear testimony on Eugene bobcat killling - ABC 9 KEZI, Nov. 20, 2019
• 62 veterinarians ask for state investigation into Eugene bobcat killing - The Register-Guard, Nov. 14, 2019
• A bobcat wandered into an Oregon school. State agencies killed it, and people want to know why. - The Oregonian, Nov. 13, 2019
• Oregon Veterinary Medical Association condemns bobcat 'euthanasia' - Eugene Weekly, Oct. 30, 2019
• National animal groups outraged over 'blunt force trauma' method used by OSP to euthanize bobcat - FOX12 | KPTV - Oct. 24, 2019
• Bobcat removed from school was killed by blunt force trauma: 'I was stunned' - NBC16.com, Oct. 23, 2019
• Euthanized young bobcat was ‘bludgeoned’ to death by Oregon police, activists say - The Miami Herald, Oct. 23, 2019
• Predator Defense condemns killing of bobcat, wants inquiry - NPR Affiliate KLCC.org, Oct. 23, 2019
• OSP confirms juvenile bobcat euthanized by ‘blunt force trauma’ - The Register Guard, Oct. 23, 2019
• Bobcat kitten killed with 'blunt force trauma' - Eugene Weekly, Oct. 22, 2019

Help Us Stop This from Ever Happening Again

Please join us in raining fire on ODFW and OSP, as well as asking Governor Kate Brown to intervene. This incident must be investigated and policies changed immediately to prevent such atrocities from ever happening again.

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