Authorities investigate alleged animal cruelty in Cheney

Local authorities are investigating an incident of alleged animal cruelty in the Cheney-Tyler area of Spokane County. A woman in the area reported in May that someone killed her three cats in an inhumane manner. Necropsies performed at Washington State University revealed that the cats suffered numerous injuries, including multiple gun wounds, skull fractures and brain hemorrhaging. The woman reported the incident to Pasado’s Safe Haven, a Western Washington charity organization that rescues animals. Members of Pasado’s Safe Haven drove to Cheney Tuesday to distribute reward posters for anyone who has information about the person responsible for killing the cats. The Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Service (SCRAPS) heard about the report and has since taken over the investigation. First degree animal cruelty is a Class C felony in Washington, said SCRAPS Director Nancy Hill in a news release. The punishment can include up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.