A bird researcher at the National Zoo has been charged with animal cruelty for allegedly killing cats. Nico Dauphine’s research focuses on the relationships of predators and prey in urban environments, the zoo’s website says. According to WRC-TV, Dauphine is accused of poisoning feral cats in her Columbia Heights neighborhood. Cats are known to prey on birds and Dauphine has written several articles that portray cats as birds’ enemies. She also has written an online lecture entitled “Apocalypse Meow.”
Authorities say they have surveillance video of Dauphine spiking with poison food left out for the cats.
Dauphine’s attorney denied the accusations, telling Channel 4 “her whole life is devoted to the care and welfare of animals.”
Dauphine was charged on May 11, court documents show.
Freeman Klopott
