BUTLER COUNTY, Pa., Jan. 10, 2025 ~ Oxford, Ohio resident Zhean Bai has been found guilty of the deadly torture of Juliet the cat. The conviction was achieved with the support of Alley Cat Allies, a global organization dedicated to protecting cats and kittens.

Bai pleaded no contest and was convicted of committing cruelty to a companion animal, a fifth-degree felony. He has been sentenced to 30 days in jail with seven days credit for time served. After serving his sentence, he will be subject to deportation back to his home country of China.

According to DanaMarie Pannella, an attorney for Alley Cat Allies, the defense attempted to avoid a conviction and jail time by requesting dismissal of the case twice. However, with the support of Alley Cat Allies, justice was finally served for Juliet.

Pannella also stated that they will continue their fight for stronger punishments for animal cruelty in order to reflect the severity of these crimes. In light of this conviction, Alley Cat Allies will hold a rally on Monday, January 13th to remember Juliet's life and raise awareness about her story. They will also call for stronger sentences for all acts of animal cruelty.

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The incident occurred one year ago when Juliet, an elderly community cat living in an apartment complex in Hamilton, was discovered with severe injuries that ultimately led to her being humanely euthanized. Surveillance footage revealed that Bai had forced Juliet into a white garbage bag and violently slammed it onto the ground.

During his court appearance on Friday, Bai arrived with a packed suitcase and requested self-deportation. However, his request was denied by the judge who expressed shock at the severity of Bai's actions and called it "an extreme act of violence."

The felony conviction in this case was made possible by last year's Ohio Supreme Court decision which ruled that all cats, including community cats who are unowned and live outdoors, are protected under Ohio's companion animal cruelty law as "companion animals." Alley Cat Allies had filed an amicus brief that helped inform the Supreme Court's decision. Without this ruling, Bai would have only faced a second-degree misdemeanor for his heinous actions.

The rally for Juliet will take place at 10:00 a.m. EST on Monday, January 13th in front of the Butler County Court of Common Pleas. Alley Cat Allies hopes to keep Juliet's story in the public conscience and continue their fight for stronger punishments for animal cruelty.

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