Venue change in case involving domestic, animal abuse

The domestic violence, animal abuse and escape cases against Paul Oakley, 43, of Cape Girardeau have been moved on a change of venue to Mississippi County.

Cape Girardeau County Prosecuting Attorney Morley Swingle said the request for a change of venue was a matter of routine.

Oakley was arrested Sept. 13 and charged Sept. 17 in connection with the reported abuse of his 18-year-old live-in girlfriend.

The day he was arrested, officials with the Cape Girardeau Police Department said Oakley not only assaulted the woman, but attempted to harm her pet kitten.

On Oct. 8, minutes after Associate Circuit Judge Gary Kamp revoked Oakley's bond, Oakley allegedly ran from Kamp's courtroom and was reported found minutes later hiding in a doghouse on Bast Street in Jackson.

National attention

Oakley's case drew the attention of the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals which contacted Swingle out of what the group said was a concern about the connection between domestic violence and crimes against animals.

PETA asked that if Oakley is convicted, he should be required to undergo a thorough psychological evaluation followed by mandatory counseling and anger-management classes at his own expense.

PETA also asked that Oakley be barred from all future contact with animals.

Further court appearances in Mississippi County have not yet been scheduled.