Police Investigate Cat Death Allegedly Kicked at Kridosono Square Blora

Illustration of a cat. (Gema Saputera-Unsplash)

JAKARTA - The police are asking for information from five witnesses regarding the alleged act of animal violence that occurred at Kridosono Square, Blora Regency, after a cat was reported dead allegedly as a result of being kicked by someone.

"We are still collecting evidence and asking for information from five witnesses who know the incident, to ensure the chronology of the incident. Currently, the investigation is still ongoing," said Head of the Criminal Investigation Unit of the Blora Police, AKP Zaenul Arifin, in Blora, Wednesday, quoted by Antara.

In addition, he said, the owner of the cat named FR, a resident of Karangjati Village, Blora Regency, has also been questioned.

The case of alleged animal abuse surfaced after a 11-second video recording circulated on social media showing a cat allegedly experiencing violence in the Kridosono Square area.

Based on the results of the initial investigation, the motive for the action was allegedly because the suspect felt disturbed while carrying out activities at the scene, including while jogging.

However, AKP Zaenul emphasized that his party was still investigating the elements of the incident and completing the statements from a number of parties.

In the latest development, he said, the two parties had been met. The alleged perpetrator has also apologized to the cat's owner.

"Both parties have been met and the alleged perpetrator has apologized. However, the investigation is still ongoing," he said.

He added that the police appealed to the public who had information regarding the incident to be willing to provide information to officers to clarify the issue.

Previously, the Blora Police received information regarding the incident and immediately conducted an in-depth investigation. Based on the information received, the identity of the suspected perpetrator with the initials PJ, a resident of Karangjati, Blora.

The alleged perpetrator has been questioned and the investigation process is still ongoing.

The suspected perpetrator has the potential to be charged under Article 337 paragraph (1) and paragraph (2) of the Criminal Code regarding cruelty to animals. This article regulates the threat of criminal punishment for perpetrators of violence against animals, with heavier penalties if the act results in the death of the animal.

Meanwhile, an animal lover named Arif condemned the violence against animals that occurred in public spaces.

"The incident of kicking a cat to death is not merely a matter of animals, but concerns conscience and human values," he said.

He hopes that law enforcement officers will handle the case professionally and transparently so that the public can obtain legal certainty and not create a bad precedent.

The video of the incident was previously uploaded by the owner of the Instagram account @faridaarz on Sunday (25/1) and then spread widely on various platforms.

Based on the written statement uploaded, the incident began when the owner took his cat for a walk at Kridosono Square around 09.00 WIB, with the condition of the field relatively quiet.

The cat owner admitted that he had asked the alleged perpetrator why he kicked his cat, but the response he received was a threat.

He also admitted that he had chased the alleged perpetrator but lost track, and hoped that the perpetrator would be found soon and be held accountable for his actions.