Man charged with animal cruelty for declawing kittens - DC Breaking Local News Weather Sports FOX 5 WTTG

Man charged with animal cruelty for declawing kittens

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Eric Gaskin is suspected of torturing the kittens in his DC home. Eric Gaskin is suspected of torturing the kittens in his DC home.
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WASHINGTON, DC -

A DC man is charged with two counts of animal cruelty for declawing two 8-week-old kittens.  

Eric Gaskin is suspected of torturing the kittens in his DC home.  If convicted, he faces up to five years in jail and a $25,000 fine.

In May 2012, officers from the Washington Humane Society's Humane Law Enforcement department learned of two kittens that had been victims of extreme cruelty.  When they saw the kittens, they found neither could walk and all the toes on their paws were infected.

Doctors at a local animal emergency hospital found each of the kittens claws had been ripped from their feet.  Most of the bones in each foot were crushed, including each of the kittens' four legs. 

The bones could not be repaired and the kittens were euthanized.

"In my twenty plus year career in animal welfare, this stands out as one of the worst cases of animal torture," said Scott Giacoppo, Vice President of External Affairs and Chief Programs Officer of the Washington Humane Society in a press release.

The Washington Humane Society's Humane Law Enforcement Department, comprised of four full-time Humane Law Enforcement Officers, investigates over 1,400 complaints of animal cruelty each year. To report animal cruelty and neglect 24 hours a day, seven days a week, call 202-BE-HUMANE.

The Washington Humane Society has set up a memorial page to honor these kittens. If you would like to make a contribution please visit:  www.washhumane.org/kittenmemorial

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