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The demonstrations at the man’s home suspected of a series of cat murders in Santa Ana were destroyed over the weekend, urging police to resident to stay calm and warn of potential consequences in the event of a similar disability.
Authorities estimate that 100 people were arrested and booked last week on suspicion of felony animal cruelty at the home of Santa Ana Ana resident Alejandro Oliveros Acosta, 45, on Sunday evening.
Police allege he killed at least 12 neighboring cats and the body was found in his home.
The home was a “village for justice” place where pet owners, communities and animal groups gathered for what was promoted on social media as a peaceful protest.
OC Community Cats, a nonprofit that aims to help manage the stray cat population in Orange County, posted about the event, but informed it wasn’t the main organizer. The protest was promoted on a variety of social media platforms.
“People are angry and afraid,” the organization wrote in an emailed statement. “We’re tired of abusers being slapped on the wrist. Animal abuse is a more severe penalty and needs to be taken more seriously.”
In a statement posted on social media, the Santa Ana Police Department acknowledged the “strong sentiment created by the incident” but urged residents to take their courses by the investigation and judicial process.
“While we support the rights of peaceful communities, the Santa Ana Police Department does not tolerate violence, vandalism or threats to public safety,” the statement continued. “Damage to life and property has consequences and those engaged in criminal acts are held liable.”
According to the OC Community Cats, the protest moved from a home identified as Acosta’s to someone nearby who is believed to be a member of the family. Neighbors said they told protesters that Acosta was staying there.
According to the Santa Ana Police Department, Acosta had posted bail, but was not in the area at the time.
Around 7:45pm, Santa Ana police said some protesters had thrown things into the second home and tried to break the fence.
“Several individuals destroyed unruly property and threw things into the neighborhood,” the department wrote in a social media post.
A video from Fox 11 Los Angeles showed at least one protester trying to open a gate blocking a driveway. Others in the crowd shook wooden fences and cried out at the residence using bulls. One protester appeared to release some aerosols of sorts into the property.
The demonstrators conveyed signs in Spanish that read “We demand justice” and “Today’s Cat, Tomorrow’s Humans.”
“We ask the public to have us conduct our investigation and not to destroy or damage someone’s home,” said Officer Natalie Garcia, a spokesman for the Santa Ana Police Department.
The protests were mostly held on public roads, Garcia said.
“People have the right to gather, and we cannot violate their right to protest,” she said.
Garcia said Santa Ana police were monitoring the protests and confirmed reports of vandalism and battery were made. However, she said she couldn’t confirm any other details.
Garcia urged the public to contact the department who feel they have been victimized either by pet theft or by protest.
OC Community Cats said they are aware that some pet advocates are planning to attend Acosta’s next court hearing and have contacted the Orange County District Attorney’s Office to seek the maximum penalty in this case.
A spokesman for the district attorney did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday.
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