Des Moines Police report that they were called out to the home of 21-year-old Rosemary Buelow, who had called the police about an "aggressive " cat that had bitten her while she was showering. Buelow reportedly told the police that she had stabbed the cat in self-defense.
According to police reports, Buelow allegedly stabbed the cat three times in the back with a kitchen knife and then attempted to drown the cat in her bathtub.
It's not clear if the cat survived the incident or not, but Des Moines Police reported "serious inconsistencies" in her report and subsequently "learned that Buelow had stabbed the cat, and then attempted to drown it because she didn't want to care for it anymore and she did not believe that any shelter would take the cat."
Buelow was charged with animal torture and is being held in jail on a $2000 bond. Animal torture is an aggravated misdemeanor in Iowa for first time offenders. If convicted, Buelow faces a fine of $250-$6,000 and up to two years in prison.
Updated on 06/06/20: I was checking up on this story earlier today and noticed an update. The Animal Rescue League of Iowa reports that a second person was charged and arrested in related to this case. 38-year-old Ryan Johnson was charged with animal torture on May 28th in connection to the stabbing and attempted drowning of Sophie the cat.
It's also worth noting that Sophie did indeed survive the incident and is now being cared for by the ARL.
From their Facebook Page:
SOPHIE UPDATE: We’re happy to tell you that Sophie, the sweet kitty who was rescued after being stabbed and nearly drowned, is doing very well after surgeries to close up her back and repair her leg. She is still in our Miracle Medical Ward and being monitored closely by our veterinarians, but she is beginning to move around more normally and is as sweet as ever. She loves attention and is constantly purring.I can't imagine that anyone would harm such a beautiful cat.