Green, OH – On April 11, a 57-year-old Ohio man mutilated three newborn kittens: cutting off their tails and using the dismembered body parts to torment a woman he was in a dispute with. According to the Summit County Sheriff’s Office, Bret Stalnaker got in a verbal altercation with the woman earlier in the day.
The woman was able to retreat into a detached garage, and Stalnaker began sending her threatening text messages about harming nine-day-old kittens. The deranged man continued sending texts, describing how he intended to cut off the tails of the kittens and their mother.
Stalnaker did more than threaten – he carried out his cruel deed, chopping off the tails of three tiny kittens, putting them into a container, and then throwing the container at the woman he had been fighting with.
Sheriff’s deputies arrived at a residence on East Turkeyfoot Lake Road, where they found Stalnaker in a van, which he had been living in. Stalnaker was ordered out of the truck and threw an object, which was later identified as a loaded .45 caliber pistol.
Stalnaker was arrested on multiple charges, including resisting arrest, animal cruelty, obstructing official business, and assault; he was booked into the Summit County Jail.
What this man did is unconscionable, and he absolutely MUST be held accountable. Imagine the pain and suffering he inflicted on these innocent, young kittens. Consider their terror and confusion as this man lopped off part of their body! If he can do this to helpless animals, he is capable of inflicting pain and suffering on other living beings. Please add your name to the petition to help Animal Victory fight for justice!
WHY THIS PETITION MATTERS:
We, the undersigned, demand that Bret Stalnaker be held accountable for his appalling behavior. We collectively insist that Stalnaker NOT receive a plea deal – he must be prosecuted for every law he violated!
Research has consistently shown a strong link between animal cruelty and human violence. Individuals who commit such heinous acts against animals often pose a threat to society as a whole, as animal abuse is frequently a precursor to other violent crimes. Failing to hold this man accountable not only denies justice for the innocent kittens he tortured and maimed but also endangers the community at large. We must send a clear message that such cruelty will not be tolerated.
Individuals are presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law. Animal Victory relies upon the authorities and the court system to determine guilt or innocence.
Note: The kittens survived the torture and are being treated by a veterinarian.
News:
Update 7/14/2021: Bret Stalnaker’s Third Pre-Trial has been scheduled for 07/21/2025 at 9:00 AM.
Update 6/30/2025: Defendant Bret Stalnaker’s bond was modified with the following conditions:
“The Court hereby modified the Defendant’s conditions of bond to terminate Defendant’s placement at the Oriana House Residential Institutional Probation Program (RIPP). The Defendant shall be subject to restricted GPS monitoring and shall have no contact with the victim.”
Update 6/11/2025: The next hearing scheduled is on June 13, 2025, as a motion to modify bond. The pre-trial is scheduled for June 30, 2025, at 9:00 AM. Court order attached.
Update 5/14/2025: Stalnaker Pre-Trial Summit County Court of Common Pleas, scheduled before Judge Croce on 6/9/2025 at 9 AM. Case #CR-2025-04-1158
Update 5/14/2025: Animal Victory sent a petition to Prosecutor Jamie Morris.
Update 5/7/2025: Animal Victory sent a petition to Judge Croce.
Update 5/6/2025: Stalnaker is to be arraigned on May 12, 2025, at 9:00 AM before Judge Christine Croce.. District Attorney managing case has not yet been named.