Who is Allexis Ferrell, US woman jailed for eating cat
What's the story
Allexis Ferrell, a 27-year-old woman from Canton, Ohio, has been sentenced to one year in prison for killing and eating a cat in Springfield, Ohio. Ferrell was arrested on August 16 after police bodycam footage showed her eating the cat outside. She subsequently pleaded guilty to cruelty to companion animals, a fifth-degree felony under Ohio law. In an incident report, officers alleged that Ferrell "smashed the cat's head with her foot and then began to eat the cat."
Court reaction
Judge expresses disgust at Ferrell's actions
Disturbing police bodycam footage from the August 16 incident shows Ferrell on all fours outside eating the cat as horrified neighbors watch and Canton policemen approach after receiving a 911 call. During sentencing on Monday, Judge Frank Forchione said he was disgusted by Ferrell's actions. "To me, you present quite a danger to our community," he said. The judge also pointed out the national embarrassment her actions caused, saying, "You've embarrassed this county. More importantly, you've embarrassed yourself."
Defense strategy
Ferrell's defense highlights her struggles with substance abuse
Notably, Ferrell's defense attorney highlighted her battle with drugs and alcohol during the trial. "It's clear that [Ferrell] has an issue with drugs and alcohol, through her evaluation, through her past history," defense attorney Stephen Kandel told the Massillon Independent. Ferrell has been arranged to receive inpatient treatment after her release from jail.
National impact
Case sparks national attention and misinformation
The case drew national attention when President-elect Donald Trump falsely alleged that Haitian immigrants in Springfield were eating local pets, a claim later debunked. Ferrell isn't an immigrant but a resident of Canton, Ohio. According to the city of Springfield's website, Clark County is home to approximately 12,000 to 15,000 immigrants. Haitian immigrants there are legally present as part of a parole program that allows citizens and lawful residents to apply to bring their families from Haiti to the US.