PORTAGE, Wis. (November 22, 2024) — In Defense of Animals applauds the adjudication of Donald Klawes, who was charged with three felony counts of animal cruelty for torturing and killing three rescued rabbits he adopted. 

On November 21, Klawes plead no contest to one felony count of mistreatment of animals causing death. Two additional charges were dismissed as part of his plea. He was given 36 months probation, with six months behind bars with work privileges. Then he will either be handed additional sentencing or be freed. He also has to pay $518 in court costs/fines. 

In August 2023, the Portage Police Department was asked to do a welfare check on Klawes, who had adopted a number of rabbits from several rescues who were alleged to have been killed.

Officers found no living rabbits, but did find shallow graves and decomposing bodies were recovered from the backyard. Further investigation found the rabbits had been brutally killed.

In Defense of Animals garnered 16,064 signatures to a letter to District Attorney Brenda L. Yascal supporting Klawes’ prosecution, asking for no plea deals, mental health evaluation and treatment, and a lifetime ban on contact with animals. In Defense of Animals will look into the outcome of Klawes’ probation over concerns that nothing in the sentencing included restrictions on engaging with animals.   

Klawes was charged with three felonies, 951.02 Mistreatment of Animals/Cause Death Felony, punishable by up to 3½ years in state prison, fines up to $10,000, or both.

“It’s heartbreaking these defenseless rabbits were rescued from mistreatment only to be sadistically killed by someone posing as an adopter. Those who torture animals like this must be held accountable and kept away from vulnerable members of society.,” said In Defense of Animals Senior Campaigner Doll Stanley.

CONTACT: Doll Stanley, doll@idausa.org, (662) 809-4483

In Defense of Animals is an international animal protection organization with over 250,000 supporters and a 41-year history of defending animals, people, and the environment through education and campaigns, as well as hands-on rescue facilities in India, South Korea, California, and rural Mississippi. www.idausa.org/justice4animals

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