A Sydney-based family is devastated after their 17-year-old ginger cat, Brandy, was allegedly kidnapped, tortured, and killed by two boys, aged 12 and 14. Brandy was taken from the family's home in Glenwood on March 8 and later discovered dead in a nearby pond. The family is now too traumatized to visit the park where the horrific event took place.
Kitten Rescue Australia established a Change.org petition aiming to collect 5,000 signatures to raise awareness about the case, which has already garnered nearly 3,500 signatures. The two boys are scheduled to appear in Children's Court on April 4, facing charges of beating and causing death to an animal and disposing of a killed or stolen animal.
Animal cruelty is a critical issue across the globe, with innumerable cases reported annually. Many animal rights activists advocate for harsher punishments for offenders, as well as increased public consciousness and education to prevent such occurrences. Pet owners can adopt measures to safeguard their pets, such as providing secure outdoor spaces and closely monitoring them. Additionally, public vigilance and reporting of any suspicious activities can contribute to the protection of animals within the community.
Family of slain ginger cat 'Brandy' are so haunted by their pet's alleged torture and killing they can't set foot in their once-loved park anymore
Family traumatised after Brandy allegedly tortured and killed
Two boys allegedly slayed the cat and disposed of it in a pond
By PADRAIG COLLINS FOR DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA and NCA NEWSWIRE
PUBLISHED: 04:34 GMT, 16 March 2023 | UPDATED: 04:34 GMT, 16 March 2023
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The family of a slain cat are so traumatised by what happened to their beloved pet they can't go to the park where 'Brandy' was allegedly tortured and killed by two young boys.
Police allege two boys, aged 12 and 14, stole the cat from a home in Glenwood, in Sydney's west, at about 4.30pm on March 8.
Brandy was carried into a nearby park before allegedly being tortured and killed.
Chilling surveillance footage showed a mask-wearing boy running down a street with 17-year-old Brandy before she was later found dead in a nearby pond.
A Change.org petition, set up by Kitten Rescue Australia, said the 'park now brings with it the harrowing memory for the loving family of Brandy'.
Ginger cat Brandy was 17 was known by Glenwood locals as 'the weird cat' that is known for going for walks in the very same park where she was allegedly murdered
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Ginger cat Brandy was 17 was known by Glenwood locals as 'the weird cat' that is known for going for walks in the very same park where she was allegedly murdered
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The petition, which aims to gather 5,000 signatures to publicise the case, already had almost 3,500 on Thursday afternoon.
Both boys are due to face the Children's Court on April 4 and were charged with beating and causing death to an animal and disposing of a killed or stolen animal.
On the day Brandy died, her heartbroken owners checked their security footage after she didn't come home.
Emily Bidart, 28, was just 11 when Brandy became an essential part of her family.
She told 7News everyone in the area knew Brandy as 'the weird cat' that went for walks in the park across the road.
'I look out my bedroom window at mum's house and that's exactly where she was (allegedly) murdered,' Ms Bidart said.
Ms Bidart said she drove to her parents home in Glenwood and had a feeling something was wrong when she heard Brandy was missing, so she checked the security cameras.
CCTV footage showed that just minutes after Ms Bidart's mother left the house for an appointment, two boys began searching for Brandy under cars and in the garden.
Footage showed two boys running away with a neighborhood cat. It is alleged they then tortured and killed Brandy before dumping her in a pond
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Footage showed two boys running away with a neighborhood cat. It is alleged they then tortured and killed Brandy before dumping her in a pond
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One boy was then seen running off and allegedly saying: 'You wanna go cat?'.
About 25 minutes later, a boy in a hoodie and face mask allegedly snatched the family cat from the front garden.
Ms Bidart said when she watched what happened next she had to look away.
'As soon as I saw the (alleged) first blow to my cat I had to look away,' she said.
The two boys have since been charged with animal cruelty after investigators from Riverstone Police Area Command arrested them at a Glenwood home at about 5pm on Monday.
Kitten Rescue Australia called for stronger sentences for alleged animal abusers.
Another member of Brandy's family, Davina Bidart, wrote on the petition page that 'she was my beautiful family fur baby'.
Another wrote 'So sorry to the family of this cat, I hope justice is served for your little friend'.
A local resident said they were 'mortified this happened in our suburb. We need justice for Brandy and her family'.
The boys were charged with torturing, beating and causing death to an animal and disposing of a killed or stolen animal
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The boys were charged with torturing, beating and causing death to an animal and disposing of a killed or stolen animal
Various forms of animal abuse include neglect, physical violence, psychological torment, and abandonment. The consequences of such mistreatment can be both short and long-term, impacting an animal's physical and emotional well-being. Recognizing the signs of animal abuse is essential in stopping and preventing further harm. Some of these signs include malnourishment, untreated injuries or illnesses, lack of proper shelter, and visible fear or aggression towards humans.
Efforts to combat animal cruelty can involve supporting animal welfare organizations, volunteering at local shelters, and advocating for stronger animal protection laws. Public awareness campaigns and educational programs can play a vital role in changing societal attitudes towards animals and fostering empathy and compassion for all living creatures.
In conclusion, the tragic case of Brandy the cat underscores the need for ongoing efforts to combat animal cruelty and protect vulnerable animals. Through increased awareness, education, and legal enforcement, society can work together to create a safer and more compassionate environment for all living beings.
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