A man was caught on surveillance video brutally abusing and killing a cat outside a pet store in the northern town of Tirat Carmel.
The incident, which has sparked widespread outrage, is under investigation by Tirat Carmel police, who are working to locate the suspect. The man was identified from store footage, where he paid for cat food using his smartphone shortly before the attack.
The disturbing footage, withheld by Ynet due to its graphic nature, shows the suspect entering a pet store, purchasing cat food and then leaving. Moments later, he is seen picking up a cat, grabbing it by the tail, and violently slamming it to the ground. The cat died instantly.
Eli Nahum, co-owner of the nearby Nahum Brothers pet store, described the scene: “Around 6 p.m., a passerby came in and told me she saw someone abusing a cat, and it was dying. I went out and found the cat’s body on the ground. Since I was busy with customers, an employee, Regina, coordinated with the bystander to try and help the cat, but it was too late.”
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Nahum reviewed the store’s security footage and identified the suspect as the same man who had purchased cat food earlier. “The cat wasn’t from the store; it was one of the stray cats we and others in the area regularly feed. He must have lured it with the food and then killed it in a horrific manner,” he said, adding, “I couldn’t bring myself to watch the entire video.”
The incident has outraged animal welfare activists and the public. Images of the suspect captured on security cameras have been circulated online, with appeals for information to help locate and arrest him. Some Haifa residents have even offered monetary rewards for tips leading to his capture.
Nir Schuber, a Haifa-based animal welfare activist, expressed his shock: “I was horrified when I heard the story and saw the video. I filed a police complaint this morning, and I know two other women, including a store employee, also filed complaints. This level of cruelty is unthinkable.”
Schuber said he contacted Tal Gilboa, an animal rights advisor to the prime minister, for assistance. “Despite her overwhelming responsibilities, she’s addressing this matter personally with relevant agencies, including the Agriculture Ministry and the police. I hope the suspect is arrested soon.”
Etti Altman, co-founder of the animal welfare organization Let the Animals Live, condemned the attack: “This is a monstrous act of cruelty against a defenseless cat. This man is a walking menace, and I hope he’s apprehended swiftly, brought to justice and sentenced to a lengthy prison term. Our legal team immediately filed a police complaint upon learning of the incident. Tirat Carmel police seem to be taking this case seriously. Anyone who harms animals poses a real threat to people as well.”
As of now, the suspect remains at large. Police are urging anyone with information to come forward.