Eastern Michigan University police officer rescues abused kitten, now recovered, playing, and ‘purring like it’s his job’

Beasley the kitten with HSHV officer
Photo courtesy of Humane Society of Huron Valley

YPSILANTI – Those eyes. That face. So adorable.

The image of Beasley the kitten tugs at the heart, and makes us glad that Eastern Michigan University police officer Phillip Beasley was able to rescue the kitten and turn it over to the Humane Society of Huron Valley.

The society is investigating the alleged abuse of the kitten during an incident last month.

Witnesses reported seeing the kitten kicked, then tossed into the air several times and doused in water by a child. When rescued, the kitten was bleeding from the mouth. Officer Beasley was told of the incident while on patrol in Ypsilanti Township.

The Humane Society is known for its creative names of animals and nicknamed the kitten after Officer Beasley. The kitten is recuperating in foster care, the Humane Society noted the rescue on its website,

“Beasley was terrified when he first came in,” said Melinda Szabelski, Cruelty and Rescue Supervisor at HSHV. “But, fortunately, now he’s purring, playing and gaining weight.”

The Humane Society reports that Beasley is not yet ready for adoption, but will surely find a home quickly, and noted that there are dozens of homeless kittens at its main shelter and the Tiny Lions cat café currently in need of loving adopters.

“He now weighs 2.5 pounds,” says Wendy Welch, communications director for the Humane Society. “He’s curious, playful and purring like it’s his job.”

About Eastern Michigan University

Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 18,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Health and Human Services; Technology, and its graduate school. EMU is regularly recognized by national publications for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website.

July 24, 2019

Written by:
Geoff Larcom

Media Contact:
Geoff Larcom
glarcom@emich.edu
734-487-4400