Sign: Convicted Cat Strangler, Mutilates More Cats and Kittens While on Parole

Published: March 31, 2025 at 11:05 PM Author: PENNY EIMS

Sioux Falls, SD – A 34-year-old man who admitted to strangling three cats in 2023 has killed seven more cats and kittens while on parole for the first crime. Cory D. Martinson has a twisted propensity for killing cats and seems to make a game of acquiring them and then inflicting fatal injuries.

Martinson has been charged with four counts of cruelty to animals and six counts of animal neglect for killing a mother cat and her kittens – he was supposed to be caring for the felines for a friend who was experiencing homelessness.

But Martinson did not provide the woman’s cats with care – he tortured and killed them. According to court records, Martinson called the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society to tell staff that “his cats were in dire need of medical attention.” Officers made arrangements to pick up the mother cat and two kittens. When they arrived, Martinson only gave them two cats, which he claimed were strays. Both cats were so severely injured, struggling to breathe and unable to walk, that they had to be humanely euthanized.

The following month, Martinson tried to adopt MORE cats from the shelter. He told staff he could not afford food, litter, or the adoption fee and let them know that they should not hold the condition of his prior cats (the ones who had to be euthanized) against him because they were just strays.

As reported by the Argus Leader, Martinson’s parole officer contacted animal control after he told her that the cats “become injured ‘because he was an a–hole to them.'” The parole officer was also alleged to have said that the remaining cats had all been killed, while admitting that the abuse was not a “one-time incident.” The parole officer also confirmed that Martinson was not supposed to be in contact with or possess any animals because of his prior 2023 cat killing spree.

The cats who perished at Martinson’s hands died in horrific ways. He admitted to strangling three cats in 2023. He killed four of the kittens in 2024 by “backhanding them in the forehead with his knuckles” until they died and then throwing their bodies in the garbage like trash.

The injured cats euthanized after being picked up by animal control officers were tortured. Martinson allegedly held them under their ribs and pulled their back legs until they made a “noise.”

This twisted monster will not stop unless he is put away. When he committed these atrocities in 2023, he was not kept in jail, and he used his freedom to inflict more pain and death on innocent cats and kittens. Please sign this petition and help Animal Victory fight to keep Cory Martinson behind bars, and away from innocent animals!

Target: Minnehaha County State’s Attorney Daniel Haggar

WHY THIS PETITION MATTERS: 

We, the undersigned, demand that Cory D. Martinson be given the maximum sentencing for the brutal killing of multiple cats and kittens in addition to violating his parole. This deranged man has a sickening propensity for killing cats, and he must be held accountable for his abhorrent actions. We and our supporters demand that Martinson be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law for the evil, illegal acts he has committed. 

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 cats and kittens he has killed 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: In July of 2023, Martinson was charged with three counts of Cruelty to Animals, which is a class 6 felony. Martinson was found guilty on only one count and received a suspended two-year sentence, meaning he was released on parole in February 2024. For his most recent killings, Cory Martinson was booked into the Brookings County Detention Center.

News:

Dakota News Now

Argus Leader

Update 5/28/2025: Cory Martinson was formally arraigned at today’s hearing. He will go to trial on August 18, 2025, at 8:30 AM.

Update 5/19/2025: Minnehaha County, SD, is going ahead with prosecuting Martinson for the crimes committed in their county. A hearing for initial arraignment is scheduled for May 20, 2025, at 9:00 AM via Zoom. Martinson will be participating from prison.

Case #: 49CRI25-627 for Minnehaha County, SD.

Update April 2, 2025: Animal Victory sent a petition to the DA. 

Update April 2, 2025: The case number for the 2025 case is 49CRI25-627. This case is being handled in Minnehaha County, South Dakota. In contrast, the 2023 case was managed in Brookings County, South Dakota. In the 2025 case, Martinson is facing four felony counts of cruelty to animals and six misdemeanor counts of neglect, abandonment, and mistreatment of animals. Currently, Martinson is representing himself. On February 12, 2025, a motion for a mental health competency evaluation was filed. An application for a court-appointed attorney has been submitted. An advisory hearing is scheduled for April 16, 2025, at 9:00 AM. No bond information is available.