VIP Grooming Shop Tragedy - Glendale, Arizona USA ~ Pawprints and Purrs

"You have to love animals for what they are or leave them alone. The best thing you can do if you love them is leave them alone and see that other people do too." ~ Pat Derby (1942- )

We've been shattered with disbelief, shock and anger twice in 1997; first Noah's Ark, then Olivia - both unbelievably cruel and heartless acts of violence to cats. Once again, America is rocked with another torture and murder of cats...not Iowa, not Indiana, but in Arizona...all within seven months.

The night of Tuesday, October 22, 1997, unknown persons broke into the VIP Grooming Shop in Glendale, Arizona, creating the worst case of animal abuse in Arizona's history. Two cats were tortured in a tub of bleach and one beat with a broomstick, then both were hung by a noose made by a leash. One cat has died from its injuries. Mandy has bleach in her eyes, but is recovering from a knocked out tooth and bloodied nose. Tabitha is missing; her condition is unknown.

The shop's owner arrived to find his radio station had been changed from a country station to a rap station. From appearances in the shop, acts of vandalism occurred as the unknown suspects "partied." Police have found fingerprints through-out the shop.

UPDATE - November 24, 1997: Though still no arrests in this case, the missing Tabitha has been found. She was spotted by a "cat lady" who feeds ferals, was successfully trapped and reunited with her loved ones at the shop. Wonderful news, indeed!

UPDATE - January 19, 1998: A 16 year old has been arrested for this crime and there is possibly another suspect on the loose. No additional information was made available.