Stories about the destruction of stray cats in the village of Stryker have been heard far and wide and include the various stories relating to the shooting and/or drowning of stray cats by the police department in Stryker. Stryker residents as well as others concerned with animal rights are questioning what actually happened, why it happened, and who is responsible.
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Unfortunately, none of these questions have answers just yet.
The controversy began in January after Stryker Mayor Dan Hughes received a complaint about the way an animal complaint within the village was handled. After his initial inquiries, Hughes decided that the best course of action was to let another agency that was not directly in line with the village or village employees handle the investigation. By doing so Hughes and the rest of the village removed themselves from the investigation to ensure no conflicts of interest would be involved.
Other than that, very little is known with any certainty aside from the fact that the investigation was handled by the Fulton County Sherriff’s Department and is currently in the hands of the Prosecutor’s office where the investigation is continuing. The Fulton County Sherriff’s Department as well as all other agencies involved in the investigation are, for the time being, declining to comment on the controversy until after the case is officially closed. All agencies also expressed that these actions are being taken to ensure that the investigation is done thoroughly, completely, and accurately. All have indicated that they will be available for comment after the investigation has reached a conclusion.
Mayor Hughes, however, did make himself available for comment. While he also cannot comment on any specifics relating to the investigation, Hughes did express his continued commitment to the Village of Stryker and its residents, explaining that “Stryker Village is a great little family oriented community with a tremendous amount of positives. Although I can’t comment on an open investigation, I hope that the village citizens will show some patience and trust that all involved agencies are taking the necessary steps to bring this complaint to an appropriate conclusion.”
Hughes also noted that he, too, will be available for further comment after the case is closed.
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