I was aware of the appalling incident in North Catasauqua where a part-time police officer struck a sour note in early December. He shot in the head and killed a house cat named Sugar. An investigation may occur to determine if the officer acted properly in discharging his firearm and his choice to kill Sugar.

It is appalling because a skunk, raccoon or other wild animal would not be treated this shabbily.

I hope the investigation reveals if this officer ever had any pets and what accounted for this thoughtless, near sadistic, act. He apparently had no training in handling these matters. There used to be a TV show called “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.” If there was a show called “Lifestyles of the Dumb and Senseless,” he might have starred in an episode.

Sugar was an animal who was rescued by his parents at three weeks of age. She was bottle fed and well cared for. Well-thinking and thoughtful people who have animals take care of them; they are considered part of the family. Some folks without animals have little understanding of this fact.

In Coplay, due to the outstanding efforts of Coplay Town Watch (CTW) and Coplay Police Department, this type of heinous act will not occur.

Since 2005, CTW has an entity called Feral Cat Committee (FCC). Our police are aware of what to do when they encounter any cat. Police and FCC work well to take care of cats and save tax dollars in the process. Working well to take care of cats excludes the thoughtless, disgraceful behavior exhibited in North Catasauqua.

It is equally troubling to read a quote in Catasauqua Press reportedly made by the borough secretary, saying, “People are crazy over this cat thing.”

“Thing”? Perhaps she needs to be asked if she ever had any pets.

As a former mayor, I would have suspended the officer pending investigation for department safety and acknowledging the feelings of the community. Not suspending raises the clear speculation that borough leaders and the police chief countenance this reprehensible behavior.

Sadly, Sugar will never return. Her family will need to pass through the trauma syndrome. The best that can come from this troubling incident is for the leaders and police chief to develop a sensitivity to pets that excludes this callous behavior and work to approve policies that eliminate this outrageous situation from reoccurring.

Bill Leiner Jr.

Coplay

Editor’s note: Leiner is member of Coplay Town Watch and the borough’s Feral Cat Committee. He is a former mayor of Coplay.