Cat set on fire, dies from injuries
Darby, PA (US)Incident Date: Sunday, Jul 5, 2009
County: Delaware
Disposition: Alleged
Case Images: 6 files available
Abuser names unreleased
Case Updates: 1 update(s) available
Police in Delaware County search for a person who set a cat on fire, killing the animal.
The cat was still alive when it was found Sunday night, but it had extensive injuries and didn’t survive.
The vet who treated him estimated he was only about a year old, but based on what she saw, it was a brutal year, and a brutal death.
Animal control officer Dave Schlott rescued him Sunday morning, from behind the Darby library.
“The cat was lying down. And he was amongst the poison ivy."
"Our first thought is that it was so bad that we would have to euthanize it immediately because it was so burned, and we didn't want it to suffer,” said Dr. Melissa Resnick of the Old Marple Veterinary Hospital.
But when they realized the cat had not inhaled any smoke, they gave him a fighting chance. They sedated him, bathed him, and dressed his many wounds.
"He was really sweet, and it was sad because it was sort of like, the last few hours of his life were maybe the one time he was shown some affection and compassion, and was warm and cared for, we spent every second with him,” Resnick said.
Witnesses reported seeing a boy in the area, right before the cat was found. Darby council president Janice Davis is determined to find whoever did this, especially if it was a child.
"God if they harm the animal, what would they do next, you know, as they get older? If you have that much heart to go out and burn an animal, I don't think you would care too much about what you would do to a human."
The animal control officer is offering $100 of his own money as a reward.
Delaware county residents are digging into their pockets as well.
Shane and Shirley McDowell threw in $500, and a businessman is offering another thousand.
Anyone with information regarding the incident should contact Darby Police at (610) 586-1100
Case UpdatesDarby police said Wednesday they have found the person who allegedly set a cat on fire over the weekend.
The suspect is a 9-year-old boy, according to police.
The cat died of its wounds despite emergency care administered by animal control officers and the Old Marple Veterinary Clinic.
Darby police said they have turned the boy over to the county's children and youth services department so he can receive professional mental health help. | Source: MyFox Philly - July 8, 2009
Update posted on Oct 7, 2009 - 11:23PM |
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