This alert is no longer active, but here for reference. Animals still need your help.

A Florida man is facing multiple animal cruelty charges after six of seven cats he was supposed to be caring for died because he brought them all to a shelter in a bin and suitcase, trapping them without air. Demand maximum penalties in this case!
 

On March 8, 2024, Pinellas County Animal Services reported there were seven cats surrendered to the SPCA in Largo. Five of them were in a small plastic bin with a lid on and two were in a small zipped-up suitcase with no holes for air.

According to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, when employees opened the bin and suitcase, five of the cats were already dead and two were in critical condition. Of the two survivors, one was euthanized and the other had an internal temperature of 106 degrees Fahrenheit.

Detectives reported that when they were removed from the containers, “they were wet to the touch and there was urine and feces, indicating the cats were alive when they were placed in the bin and suitcase.”

They found that Ian Everett Bender was supposed to be looking after them for a friend while they were away, but after about a week and a half he got sick of them and decided to surrender them. Imagine the horror of trusting the wrong person to look after your feline family.

The Tampa Bay Times reported that the guardian told detectives that the cats were all healthy and under 18 months old.

On March 24, Bender turned himself in and is now facing seven counts of aggravated animal cruelty, punishable by a maximum five-year prison sentence and/or a $5,000 fine. He could be looking at 35 years of incarceration for his vile act.

Bender must receive the maximum sentencing allowed for the terror and suffering he inflicted upon the cats his friend entrusted him with while on a business trip. He must also undergo a mental evaluation and any prescribed treatment and be barred from being around animals ever again.

Letter to Decision Maker(s) for reference:

Subject: Dead and Dying Cats Delivered to SPCA Must Have Justice

I am writing to you to support the vigorous prosecution of Ian Everett Bender who was charged with multiple counts of animal cruelty for causing the horrific deaths of six out of seven of the cats he was supposed to be caring for.

Bender dropped off seven cats to the SPCA in containers that allowed no airflow. Five were dead on arrival, a sixth was euthanized, and the only survivor had an internal temperature of 106 degrees Fahrenheit. Detectives believe they were alive when placed inside the containers because they were wet from urine.

I ask that Bender receive maximum sentencing for the terror and suffering he inflicted upon the cats his friend entrusted him with while on a business trip. He must also undergo a mental evaluation and any prescribed treatment and be barred from being around animals ever again. Finally, please present my letter and the thousands of signatures In Defense of Animals supporters have added to my letter to the presiding judge for sentencing.

Thank you for your service to Florida’s justice system.  I will be following this case to its fruition and I am very much hoping that Bender will serve as much time as legally possible for his heartlessly cruel treatment of his friend’s cats.

Sincerely,

Signed

This alert is no longer active, but here for reference. Animals still need your help.