A demonstration took place at the home of a series of cat killing men in Santa Ana over the weekend, prompting police to urge residents to remain calm and warn of potential consequences in cases of similar harassment.
Authorities estimate 100 people attended a vigil at the home of 45-year-old Santa Ana resident Alejandro Oliveros Acosta, who was arrested and booked last week for suspected felony abuse.
Police accused him of killing at least twelve neighborhood cats and found bodies in his home.
That house is a “Watch the night for justice,” Pet owners, communities and animal groups gather on social media to advertise as a peaceful protest.
OC Community Cats is a nonprofit organization designed to help manage Orange County’s stray and wildcat population and released information about the event, but told The New York Times that it was not the main organizer. The protests have been lifted on various social media platforms.
“People are angry and fearful,” the organization wrote in an emailed statement. “We are tired of slapping people on the wrist. More severe penalties are needed, and more emphasis is needed on animal abuse.”
In a statement posted to social media, the Santa Ana Police Department acknowledged that “the case has caused strong emotions” but urged residents to allow courses in investigations and judicial processes.
“While we support the right to gather peacefully in the community, the Santa Ana Police Department will not tolerate acts of violence, intentional destruction or any threat to public safety,” the statement continued. “Any damage to life or property will have consequences and those engaged in criminal acts will be held responsible.”
According to OC Community Cat, the protests moved from a house identified as Acosta's to a nearby house considered a family member. A neighbor told protesters that Acosta was there, the group said.
According to the Santa Ana Police Department, Acosta had posted a bail but was not in the area at the time.
Santa Ana police said some protesters threw objects in the Second House around 7:45 p.m. in an attempt to break the fence.
“Several people turned into unruly property and threw objects nearby,” the department wrote in a social media post.
one Video from Fox 11 Los Angeles shows at least one protester attempting to open a door that blocks the driveway. The rest of the crowd shook the wooden fence and shouted at the residence with their horns. A protester appears to have released some kind of aerosol to the property.
The protesters showed signs in Spanish, reading “We demand justice” and “Cats today, humans tomorrow.”
“We ask the public to let us investigate and not to destroy or destroy anyone's home,” said Natalie Garcia, a public information officer for the Santa Ana Police.
Garcia said the protests were mainly carried out on public streets.
“People have the right to gather, and we cannot infringe on their right to protest,” she said.
Garcia said Santa Ana police were monitoring the protests and confirmed reports of vandalism and assault were adopted. But she said she could not confirm any other details.
Garcia urged members of the public who were victims of pet theft or protests to contact the department.
OC Community Cat said it knows some pet advocates are planning to attend Acosta’s next court hearing and has contacted the Orange County District Attorney’s Office for a maximum fine in this case.
A spokesman for the district attorney did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday.
