- Texas, USA -
UPDATE: February 11, 2021
The City Of Portland Police Department has posted an update on the cat abused by KALEEM GHOLSBY (pictured below).
The post reads: “We are very happy to report that Baja, the cat involved in an animal abuse case, has been found and is very much alive and well. She was checked out by a local vet and was found to be ok.”
In response to the adoption offers, the Department advised that Baja has a loving home.
~ Original story:
3News reports that a video circling on social media showing a defenseless cat being abused, put 17-year-old KALEEM GHOLSBY (pictured below), behind bars.
The distressing video shows GHOLSBY, a Gregory-Portland ISD senior, picking up a cat, not a man his own size, but a cat, and slamming the furbaby to the ground.
The Portland Police Department was flooded with phone calls and messages from people who had seen it and were understandably outraged by it.
Kris 6 News reports that through a group effort by the Criminal Investigations Division, school resource officers and Portland Animal Care Services, they worked to identify the person in the video and on Monday, February 8, GHOLSBY was cuffed.
Portland Police Department Chief Mark Cory said: “We consider that a very serious crime. Any cruelty or torture of an animal is taken very seriously, and that’s why we got on it so quickly and made an arrest as quickly as we did in this case.”
As reported by Kris 6 News, GHOLSBY is being held at the San Patricio County Jail on a single charge of cruelty to a non-livestock animal, which is a third degree felony.
GHOLSBY is expected in court by Wednesday, February 10, to make his initial appearance and have his bond set.
Chief Cory said the investigation continues as the department looks into who actually filmed the video.
The furbaby can be seen getting up and running away but his/her location is not known.
3News reports that following GHOLSBY’s arrest, The Gregory-Portland Independent School District released a statement:
“G-PISD received notice of a video in circulation among students during the weekend, along with claims of alleged animal abuse at the time related to the video content. Local law enforcement initiated an investigation. While we understand this video was not filmed on school property, the district will consider whether any disciplinary or punitive action is appropriate under our student policies and requirements.
While we understand many in the community have expressed wide concern and continue to contact us regarding the contents of this video, the district is not able to provide further information. G-PISD will also not be able to provide specifics with regard to any potential disciplinary measures, as that information is protected by law.
G-PISD does not condone abuse or mistreatment of animals in any way. We understand the content of this video is disturbing, and has been shared among students. We ask that our parents and families talk to your students, and reach out to your School Counselors if any are in need of support or services. Contact information can be found here.”
Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from official news outlets. Links included.
Details may be removed or additional information may be provided in future should such sources report an update.