This alert is no longer active, but here for reference.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

A Washington man is facing animal cruelty charges related to the deaths of his live-in girlfriend's two young cats. Demand maximum penalties in this case.

According to the Island County Sheriff's Office, officers from the Oak Harbor Police Department were sent to Best Friends Veterinary Clinic in response to a report of two 10-month-old cats who had died under “suspicious circumstances.”

The cats were brought in by Kristian Rokita, who claimed he found them unresponsive after hearing them “squealing, gagging, and struggling.” The examining veterinarian suspected foul play, and a subsequent necropsy found numerous internal injuries and organ damage. The official causes of death were ruled blunt force trauma and asphyxiation.

Rotika was taken into custody with assistance from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service and charged with two counts of first-degree animal cruelty, a Class C felony, which carries up to a maximum 5-year prison sentence and or a $10,000 fine. Mandatory prohibition of keeping animals, potential court-ordered counseling, and forfeiture of any possessed animals and liability for costs can be ordered.

Letter to Decision Maker(s) for reference:

Subject: Prosecute Kristian Rokita for First-Degree Animal Cruelty

I am writing to you to support your prosecution of Kristian Rokita, who was charged with two counts of first-degree animal cruelty for the suspicious deaths of his live-in girlfriend's two 10-month-old cats.
 
Rokita claimed he found the cats unresponsive after hearing them “squealing, gagging, and struggling.” However, the examining veterinarian suspected foul play, and a subsequent necropsy found numerous internal injuries and organ damage. The official causes of death were ruled blunt force trauma and asphyxiation.
 
The disturbing nature of this case and Rokita’s attempt to skirt responsibility by fabricating a story about what happened merit serious consequences; he must be held accountable for the cruelty he inflicted on these cats.
 
I hope you will seek the maximum penalties allowable for each Class C felony, which individually carry up to a maximum 5-year prison sentence and or a $10,000 fine, in addition to pursuing a lifetime ban on having animals and mandating mental health counseling. Vulnerable members of your community deserve to be protected from those who would abuse them, at least for the next ten years, which the Court has the ability to impose. 

I will be following this case to its adjudication and ask that you please share my letter with the sentencing judge. Thank you for your consideration of this important matter.

Sincerely,

Signed

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