Sunday, September 16, 2007

HSOY seeks cat abuser

As reported in the September 15 Yuma Sun.

HUmane Society seeks cat abuser
A cat was dropped into a charity donation box at Wal-Mart, and the Humane Society of Yuma is offering a reward for information on the culprit.

A pick-up driver for Precious Treasures heard meowing coming from the donation box at Wal-Mart at 2900 S. Pacific Ave. on Sept. 6, according to a HSOY news statement released Friday.

The driver discovered a black and white kitten drenched in its own saliva inside an Army.com duffel bag. The Humane Society was immediately called, and the cat was found to have no life-threatening injuries, according to the statement.

The organization is offering a $250 reward for the identification of the person behind the abuse.

"Intentionally causing harm to any animal is against the law," HSOY community relations manager Elkie Wills said in the statement. "We need the public to know that no animal can be treated this way."

People with information can call 782-1621, Ext. 3.

Wills said there are currently no suspects in the case, but a dark gray or gold Chevy truck was spotted in the area around that time. The vehicle was said to be driven by a woman possibly in her late 30s.

The kitten, which was later renamed Army, was adopted by an animal control officer.