In the American city of Atlantic City, a horrifying case has emerged that has shaken public opinion. A 26-year-old man named Edwin Sanabia has been accused of torturing and killing more than a dozen stray cats. According to investigations, the suspect lured the cats to his home by offering them food, then brutally abused, beat, and eventually killed them before disposing of their bodies in a nearby dumpster.
According to Atlantic County Prosecutor William Reynolds, city police received a tip that led them to send an animal welfare officer to Maryland Avenue. There, authorities uncovered a series of violent acts, not only inside Sanabia’s home but also involving cats housed in a makeshift shelter set up by a neighbor. The suspect allegedly punched, kicked, and dragged several cats by their tails in a cruel manner.
Sanabia has been charged with 13 counts of animal cruelty. Notably, this is not his first run-in with the law this year. Less than a month prior, he was charged with assault and weapons offenses after allegedly threatening a teenager with a knife, chasing him, and making lewd sexual comments. When police arrived, Sanabia refused to come out of his house, prompting a response from the SWAT team. However, he was not found at home. He returned the next day and was taken into custody.
The case has sparked widespread outrage, particularly amid a growing number of animal abuse crimes in various U.S. cities. Many are now calling for stricter laws to hold perpetrators of such cruel and disturbing acts fully accountable.
