Cat set on fire, thrown from car Westminster, CO (US) Incident Date: Saturday, May 26, 2001 County: Jefferson Local Map: available Disposition: Alleged Alleged: » Name Undisclosed - Convicted » Name Undisclosed - Convicted Case Updates: 1 update(s) available

Case ID: 4691 Classification: Burning - Fire or Fireworks, Throwing Animal: cat View more cases in CO (US) Animal was offleash or loose Login to Watch this Case

Two teenage boys, not identified because of their age, have been arrested in the torture of a cat named Westy. The cat was set on fire and thrown from a car in Westminster.

Leads from the public led to the arrests.

A couple driving in the 9400 block of Perry Street saw the passenger in a Ford Mustang grab the brown tabby, light it on fire and hurl it onto the street.

The 16-year old driver surrendered at 10:00 p.m. on Thursday in the company of his parents. The 17-year old boy who was a passenger was later arrested at his home. Both teens were released to their parents.

Charges of animal cruelty, a class 1 misdemeanor carry up to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine, are pending.

Dr Don Ostwald said, "He was in bad shape but has a tremendous will to live - which is something that led to our decision to try to save him."

"He had a mild fever but it's down today, his attitude is good, he's eating on his own, walking on all four feet and the best news is he continues to improve everyday with no serious setbacks."

"It will take about two weeks until he heals enough that we'll know if he can fight off infection."

The daily cost of Westy's care is $263. So far more than $25,000 has been donated and in the end it may cost $20,000 or more to care for him.

When questioned why veterinarians would save an animal that might have mercifully been destroyed, the reply is: "I guess we felt this was a black eye for the human race, and since such a terrible thing was done by humans, maybe humans should do everything they could to set it right."

If charged as juveniles, the suspects face a less severe penalty, including probation, out-of-home placement or incarceration in a juvenile facility.

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References

	Denver Rocky Mountain News - June 9, 2001
	The Denver Post - June 10, 2001

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