The Issue
In late October 2025, a Kaukauna Police officer took custody of a lost house cat named Walter after a resident called for help. The officer assured the resident that Walter would be kept safely at the station until the Fox Valley Humane Society reopened. https://www.wbay.com

Lynch later obtained the officer’s body-cam video, and says the officer admitted he drove more than a mile away and abandoned Walter in a field. Hours later, the owner found the terrified cat in a swampy area — soaked, exhausted, and lucky to be alive. https://www.wbay.com+1

The Kaukauna Police Department has since issued an apology, changed its animal-handling policy, and says the officer received “corrective action.” WLUK+1
Under Wisconsin Statute § 951.15 (Abandoning animals), “No person may abandon any animal.” If any ordinary citizen had left a cat in a field, they would face prosecution — not a policy memo. docs.legis.wisconsin.gov

We, the undersigned, demand:

Termination of the officer who abandoned Walter.
Full public release of the body-cam footage and the internal investigation report.
A written, enforceable animal-handling policy requiring all domesticated animals in police custody to be taken directly to the Fox Valley Humane Society, with termination as the penalty for any violation. WLUK
Public trust in law enforcement depends on integrity, compassion, and transparency. Allowing an officer to abandon an animal — then quietly move on — tells the community that cruelty can be excused if you wear a badge.

We call on Mayor Tony Penterman, the Kaukauna Police Chief, and the Police & Fire Commission to act decisively. Do what’s right — not just for Walter, but for every resident who believes that the law applies to everyone equally.

Sign to demand justice for Walter — and real accountability in Kaukauna.