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An Ozona, Florida man faces multiple counts of animal cruelty after surrendering seven cats to an animal shelter, six of which ultimately died, because he was “sick of caring for them,” according to authorities.
The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office said 36-year-old Ian Bender was arrested on Wednesday and charged with seven counts of animal cruelty.
Pinellas County Animal Services reported to the sheriff’s office that on March 8, seven cats were surrendered to the SPCA in Largo – five of the cats were surrendered in a small plastic bin, while the other two were in a small suitcase.
When staff at the shelter opened the suitcase and bin, detectives with the sheriff’s office said, five cats were dead and two were in critical condition.
Friendswood Police Department is asking for victims of what they call the “viral TikTok Door Knock challenge” to come forward. (iStock)
Detectives added that it is not known how long the cats were in the suitcase and bin before they were dropped off.
Bender turned himself into the Pinellas County Jail on March 27 and has been charged with seven counts of cruelty to animals.
The investigation into the matter is ongoing.
