CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — There's some good news involving the cat that was involved in the animal abuse video that arrested 17-year-old Gregory-Portland High School student Kaleem Gholsby.
The Portland Police Department announced on Facebook that Baja the cat has been examined by a local veterinarian and is OK after a terrible video that showed it being slammed to the ground.
Here's what happened:
A video circling social media has now put Gholsby behind bars after he allegedly harmed an animal.
In the disturbing video, which 3News has chosen not to share, Gholsby picks up a cat over his head and slams it down to the ground. The cat was able to run off after the mistreatment.
The Portland Police Department identified Gholsby in the video and arrested him on February 8 after police say many phone calls and messages from the community who witnessed the video.
He is now facing charges for Cruelty of a Non-Livestock Animal, which is a a 3rd Degree Felony. Gholsby played running back for Gregory Portland's football team last year.
The Gregory-Portland Independent School District released this statement following the arrest:
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 at www.g-pisd.org/supportservices.
National animal rights activist group Animal Wellness Action also released a statement:
“We applaud the Portland Police Department for their arrest of Kaleem Gholsby on animal cruelty charges and hope this sends a strong signal to Texans that animal abuse will not be tolerated in our modern-day society.
“For far too long many law enforcement has overlooked animal cruelty crimes, and we hope the U.S. Representatives from Texas and U.S. Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz will join our efforts to pass the Animal Cruelty Enforcement Act that would crack down on animal cruelty.”
If you have any further information on this case or others like it, please call PPD Investigations at (361) 777-4444.
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