A Southern California man, Alejandro Oliveros Acosta, aged 46, has been charged with felony animal cruelty for allegedly luring and killing multiple cats over several months. He faces additional charges, including theft of a Bengal lynx, which he reportedly stole after enticing it with food, and possession of methamphetamine. His arraignment is scheduled for Wednesday, though it remains unclear if he has legal representation.
Oliveros was arrested on April 24 after a thorough investigation by Santa Ana and Westminster police, prompted by numerous reports of cats being lured with canned food and subsequently beaten or stomped to death. Witnesses identified him as a prime suspect, and authorities found evidence at his home connecting him to the crimes. A notable incident included surveillance footage showing him fatally stomping a cat. Between November 2022 and April 2023, at least seven instances of dead and injured cats were reported, with some suffering severe injuries.
Following his arrest, Oliveros was released on $40,000 bail, which has sparked outrage among animal advocates, leading to calls for a more substantial bail set at $100,000. They argue he poses a continued threat to public safety, especially given the brutal nature of the alleged offenses. In response to community unrest during a vigil for the cats, police reminded residents that any violent acts or vandalism would not be tolerated. If convicted on all charges, Oliveros faces the potential of over five years in prison. Santa Ana is about 33 miles south-southeast of downtown Los Angeles, within Orange County.
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