Letter: Suspect's bond too low

Editor, Daily News:

I'm not sure whether to be more outraged by the fact that a man dating a woman for a week entered her home, accused her of cheating on him, threatened to kill her daughter and then killed the family kitten with her four children present, or that his bond is only $2,500.

There appears to be a variety of illegal activity in this story, from entry into the home, threatening a child's life and child endangerment to animal cruelty resulting in death (a third-degree felony). His jealousy, control and intimidation aren't love. This is a classic case of domestic violence on fast-forward that isn't only morally wrong, but illegal and bound to escalate.

According the Humane Society of the United States, a 1997 survey of 50 of the largest shelters for battered women in the country found that 85 percent of women and 63 percent of children entering shelters discussed incidents of pet abuse in the family.

Since violence breeds violence, I urge our court system to recognize the link between animal abuse and domestic violence and take appropriate action against perpetrators. I also urge the community to learn more about domestic violence and animal abuse by visiting www.naplesshelter.org and contacting the Collier County Humane Society; or visiting www.hsus.org .

Love isn't black and blue. If you or a loved one is in danger, call the shelter's 24-hour crisis line at 775-1101, or 911.

Kathy Herrmann Catino, Chief executive officer, Shelter for Abused Women & Children