Roswell Man Sentenced to Prison for Aggravated Animal Cruelty with Crossbow

A case of aggravated animal cruelty in Roswell, Georgia has come to a close with a guilty plea and sentencing. Elvis Fistik, a local resident, pleaded guilty to two counts of aggravated animal cruelty for injuring and killing feral cats with a crossbow. The incident, which occurred in a Roswell neighborhood, sparked outrage in the community.

Sentencing and Prior History

On Monday, a Fulton County judge handed down a five-year prison sentence to Fistik, with two years to serve. This decision was made despite Fistik having no prior history of similar offenses, indicating the severity of the crime. The case has drawn attention from animal rights activists and organizations advocating for the protection of animals.

Rescue Efforts and Recovery

Following reports of the attacks, Furkids, a no-kill animal shelter and sanctuary, responded to the Roswell neighborhood. They found a feral cat with a crossbow bolt lodged in its head, a shocking and heartbreaking sight. The cat, later named Patrick, was swiftly taken in for treatment and surgery. Despite the severity of the injury, Patrick managed to make a full recovery, showcasing the resilience of animals in the face of adversity.

Statement from Furkids CEO

Samantha Shelton, CEO and founder of Furkids, expressed her astonishment at Patrick's survival and subsequent recovery. She also highlighted the emotional toll of the incident on the cat, noting that while physically healed, Patrick may still carry psychological trauma from the experience. Shelton also revealed that she was present at Fistik's plea and sentencing hearing, where he offered a troubling justification for his actions.

Justification and Call for Responsibility

Fistik claimed in court that he resorted to harming the feral cats because his wife was allergic to animals. However, Shelton vehemently denounced this reasoning, emphasizing that allergies cannot justify such cruel and violent behavior. Her firm stance against Fistik's actions reflects the zero-tolerance approach to animal abuse held by many within the community.

Hope for Patrick and Other Animals

Despite the trauma he endured, Patrick is now under the care of Furkids and is awaiting a loving and permanent home. The shelter has provided him with the necessary medical attention, and he is ready to be adopted by a caring individual or family. The organization encourages anyone interested in adopting Patrick or another pet to come forward and provide these animals with the love and care they deserve.