A 79-year-old woman is facing aggravated animal cruelty charges for allegedly setting a cat on fire in Pompano Beach, South Florida. It’s reported that Elgathe Celestin — who’s currently in police custody — held the feline inside a raccoon trap before burning them alive.
Woman reportedly set cat on fire in Pompano Beach, Florida
On Tuesday, Mar. 12, shortly after 12:22 p.m., deputies with the Broward Sheriff’s Office together with the Pompano Beach Fire Rescue responded to Celestin’s home after receiving reports of a cat on fire, as per NBC6 News.
Upon arrival, they found the poor cat trapped in a raccoon trap in Celestin’s backyard. After extinguishing the flames, rescuers transported the injured feline to Hollywood Animal Hospital for emergency treatment. Unfortunately, veterinarians couldn’t save the cat, and therefore, had to euthanize them.
According to CBS News, a neighbor of Celestin witnessed the horrifying incident and called 911. The man, whose identity hasn’t been disclosed to the public, saw smoke emanating from the accused’s backyard. Nothing could have prepared him for what he saw next.
“There was a cat inside of a trap and she was burning the cat alive,” the man shared. “I noticed the cat was moving, I thought it was dead. Then, she stoked the fire and the cat started moving around again,” he added.
Another horrified neighbor, who wished to stay anonymous, described the crime scene as a “murder scene.” In their words, “It’s like a murder scene. You would think somebody got murdered. There were cops and the fire department, and they were here for hours.”
Residents of Pompano Beach are trying to wrap their heads around Celestin’s disturbing actions. Kristina Mejia is among those still shaken by the incident. Mejia revealed she heard strange, distressing noises coming from Celestin’s residence the night before she set the cat ablaze.
“I was walking down the street, and I was right over here near those houses, and I heard a loud cry,” Mejia narrated. “It sounded like what I thought was a baby — an infant crying — come to find out — I think it was cats,” she further shared.
The scourge of animal abuse and cruelty is a pressing issue that demands action. At Ovadia Law Group, we’re committed to being a voice for the voiceless and fighting against all forms of animal mistreatment. Our dedicated team understands the profound impact that animal abuse can have on both the victims and society as a whole. That’s why we offer compassionate support and legal assistance to individuals and organizations seeking justice for abused animals. Whether it’s seeking compensation for veterinary bills, advocating for stricter penalties for offenders, or raising awareness about animal welfare issues, we’re here to help. If you’ve witnessed or been affected by animal abuse, don’t hesitate to contact us for a free consultation. Together, we can work towards a world where animals are treated with kindness, compassion, and respect. Call Ovadia Law Group today at 1-800-674-9396 and let us stand by your side in the fight against animal cruelty.
Source: aol
