- Texas, USA -
An investigation into “an unexplained increase in kitten deaths” at Weatherford Parker Co. Animal Shelter led to the arrest of 21-years-old GABRIEL SKYLER CASWELL (pictured), a former employee of the shelter.
In a news release police said that the shelter started investigating as one kitten after another died with no explanation. Staff worked to determine the cause, and believing that the deaths were disease-related, they sent off “multiple specimens for testing and completed necropsies to identify the issue”, said police.
The results did not show any diseases in the deceased kittens, so staff at the shelter “installed additional HVAC systems, ensured proper cleaning procedures were followed, reviewed the chemicals in all cleaning products, implemented new policies, and closely tracked every missing or deceased animal”, explained police.
On July 14, 2023, police were contacted by the shelter staff after an employee witnessed CASWELL mistreating a kitten. At the time of the incident CASWELL was an employee of the Weatherford Parker Co. Animal Shelter. CASWELL fled the scene before officers arrived.
After reviewing the video with the shelter staff, police determined that a criminal offense had occurred, so detectives began investigating the case and obtained a warrant for CASWELL’s arrest. CASWELL was located and arrested the same day. Online arrest records show he was released the following day.
Meanwhile, the investigation continued and detectives reviewed more video footage. As a result of what came to light, on July 28, 2023, an additional cruelty to animal warrant was issued for CASWELL.
He was taken into custody on July 29, 2023, and released the following day.
CASWELL started working for the shelter in February and between then and mid-July, approximately eighty (80) innocent and defenseless kittens lost their precious lives!
Weatherford Police Sgt. Tiffany Vanzant told WFAA the shelter had fifty (50) kitten deaths in June alone.
According to the shelter leadership, the number of deaths is above the shelter’s annual average of twenty (20) kitten deaths.
Part of the news release read: “For something like this to happen is unfathomable, and we are heartbroken by the harm caused. This case is still being investigated, and the Shelter is partnering with the Police Department as the City continues to seek justice for all of Caswell’s actions.”
Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from official news outlets. Links included.
Details may be removed or additional information may be provided in future should such sources report an update.
CASWELL mugshot shared from the Parker County Jail.
#VoiceForUs #animalcruelty #crueldadanimal #animalslivesmatter #law #lawmakers #texas #parkercounty #cats #kittens #prosecutors #judges #deathpenaltyforanimalabusers #weatherford #cruauteanimale #tierqualerei
