A bobcat kitten, who wandered into a private school in Eugene, Oregon, was killed last week by wildlife officials. As reported by KOIN News, the young bobcat wandered into Oak Hill School last week, and Oregon Fish and Wildlife officials decided to kill it, citing “abnormal behavior” as the reason for the lethal decision.
In a release, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) explained:
Bobcats are usually not considered a human safety threat due to their small size. However, this bobcat’s abnormal behavior led wildlife biologists to consider it a public nuisance and potential human safety threat were it to claw or bite someone.
The young bobcat was bludgeoned to death, sparking outrage among animal lovers. Kelly Peterson, Oregon senior state director of the Humane Society of the United States, commented on the kitten’s death, “There is no excuse for such an inhumane action when, as we’ve seen with the second bobcat who was found at the same school and released unharmed earlier this week, the first kitten could have easily received that same treatment.”
The other kitten found at near the same school is believed to be a sibling to the bobcat which was killed by blunt force trauma to the head. This kitten did not make it inside of the school building and was released after being examined. ODFW stated:
ODFW’s physical evaluation of the bobcat showed it to be healthy. The bobcat had no signs of active infection or injury. Blood tests and X-rays also did not reveal any health issues.
The kittens may have been orphaned or abandoned, or possibly were just striking out on their own for the first time.
Individuals who want to voice their opinion on this kitten’s killing can direct correspondence to:
Joe Stack, ODFW Wildlife Biologist
541-726-3515 x27
Email: [email protected]
CONTACT ODFW
503-947-6000 or 800-720-ODFW
Email: [email protected]
(Stock image via Pixabay)
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Joe Stack, ODFW Wildlife Biologist, please explain the mission of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife if the standard protocol to react to perfectly healthy orphaned bobcat kittens is to blungen them to death!!???? What is wrong with the human race that there is no compassion for life in general? Especially for a life that has no voice and depends on such organizations to help in this type of situation!? So many rescues would have welcomed these kittens. This behavior is cruel and inhumane and the authorities responsible should be held accountable for this senseless murder of innocent lives! This makes me physically ill! There is no possible excuse for this barbarian behavior!
I agree with you. Absolutely cruel and disgusting to murder a helpless kitten (who should have been sent to a vet and then onto a wildlife rehabilitation facility)……..
ARE THEY “STUPID” OR JUST PLAIN “INSANE”?!
PLEASE BOMBARD ODFW WITH EMAIL COMPLAINTS!
Couldn’t the poor animal being tranquilized ??? What’s wrong with these people ??? I have sent emails to the 2 addresses. Unbelievable !