In a troubling case of alleged animal cruelty, a 34-year-old man from Sioux Falls has been arrested for reportedly abusing and neglecting cats. Cory Martinson faces serious charges, including four counts of animal cruelty and six counts of animal neglect. The case has raised alarm among animal welfare advocates and local authorities, as it follows a reported previous conviction for similar offenses.
The sequence of events began when a woman, reportedly experiencing homelessness, entrusted Martinson with her adult female cat and her kittens in July 2024. After expressing concern for the animals’ well-being, she sought to reclaim them, only to be met with Martinson’s apparent claim that the mother cat had eaten her kittens and subsequently gone missing. This statement raised red flags, prompting animal control officers to investigate further.
Records show Martinson’s criminal record apparently dates back to July 2023, when he was arrested in Brookings on three counts of animal cruelty. He was reportedly found guilty on one of those counts and received a suspended sentence, later being released on parole in February 2024. This history of alleged animal mistreatment placed him under renewed scrutiny following a report from the concerned woman in November regarding her cats.
Authorities say that during the course of their initial investigation, Martinson contacted the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society about injured cats in his care. Shelter staff documented his agitated demeanor, noting that he expressed frustration over the costs associated with pet care. When animal control officers picked up two of the cats at Martinson’s request, the animals exhibited severe health problems, including the inability to use their back legs and respiratory distress. Tragically, according to reports, these cats were later euthanized.
Further investigations allegedly revealed that Martinson admitted to harming and killing a total of seven cats. Specific claims indicate that he allegedly inflicted fatal blows to the kittens—reportedly backhanding them on their foreheads until they succumbed—and disposed of their bodies in the garbage. In a chilling statement attributed to Martinson, he purportedly suggested he was acting out due to having “too many hours in the day to think,” raising questions about his mental state.
Sioux Falls Animal Control Supervisor Patty Beckman noted that while abuse cases are not uncommon, the severity of the alleged cruelty and resulting fatalities in this instance are particularly disturbing. Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicions of animal abuse or neglect. “If you see something, say something,” said Lead Animal Control Officer Thomas Rhoades, underscoring the role community involvement plays in preventing such tragedies.
Martinson is currently being held at the Brookings County Detention Center, awaiting further legal proceedings. There is also a warrant for his arrest in Minnehaha County, where additional charges are expected once his current legal matters are resolved. As the investigation continues, the community remains on alert for any potential signs of animal mistreatment, calling for accountability and stricter measures to protect vulnerable animals.
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This person should never be allowed to have cats -- or any other animal -- and he should be examined for mental illness.