Duct Taped Cat: No Limits to Animal Cruelty?

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| Print | By Jo Singer | September 30, 2009 1:40 PM

It seems that the degree of cruelty to animals knows no boundaries with vicious people thinking up such horrific ways in which to torture these innocent and helpless creatures.
In a totally bizarre form of animal cruelty, reported by the Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, (PSPCA), somebody, who in my opinion exhibited one of the more shocking and alarming demonstrations of sadistic behavior to an innocent feline, wrapped the entire cat from head-to-toe in sticky duct tape, abandoning it to fend for itself.

Thankfully, a local woman noticed a "strange" feline by her fence, and when investigating it, she saw that this frightened and tortured kitty was wrapped so tightly in duct tape, that the little female kitty was not even able to walk. She called the PSPC Humane Law Enforcement officers, who came to the rescue, and took the cat to the PSPCA's animal hospital for a thorough medical examination. The terrified cat had to be sedated in order to allow the staff to slowly and methodically remove the tape, cutting it with a surgical scissors designed for removing bandages. The procedure took about an hour to complete.

Photo credit: PSPCA
30-pennSPCA duct tape cat.jpg PSPCA's PR associate, Liz Williamson said, "She actually looks really great for having gone through all that." And with relief added, "It did not remove a lot of fur."

The kitty, who remains in fairly good condition under the watchful care of the PSPCA, was named "Sticky" by the staff. Amazingly, after suffering such cruelty, she only required an IV infusion to relieve her mild dehydration. Also, since she was found to be healthy and not at all malnourished, it is assumed that this is a kitty that belongs to someone who may be looking for her. The staff also thought that Sticky was not wrapped in the tape for a very long period of time. There is an investigation going on at present to learn more about what actually happened.

Since there is no determination yet whether Sticky has a rightful owner, she is not available for adoption at this time. Sticky was described as a very lovely cat who gets along so well with people that she more than likely is a kitty who has been treated well and taken care of by a human companion.

A $2,000 reward is being offered by the PSPCA for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person who actually so cruelly wrapped the cat in duct tape. If anyone in the area can help and has more information or even knows who "Sticky's" owner is, please immediately contact the PSCPA's cruelty hotline at (866) 601-7722.

What was your reaction to this story? If the person who performed this horrific act of animal cruelty is located, charged and convicted, what do you think the punishment should be? Leave a comment and share your thoughts.

RELATED TOPICS: Abuse (24) , ASPCA (10) , Blogs (262) , Cats (116) , Cruelty (23)

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Vicki September 30, 2009 4:23 PM

The person who did this should have the same done to them. The only thing different would be that he would serve 20 years in prison wrapped in duct tape himself. This really burns me!

jock4hire September 30, 2009 4:28 PM

I'd read this story when it first broke, and no there is no limits to the cruel acts by some people! There is certainly no shortage of pet/animal abuse in our fair America that's for sure!! It's disgusting to be sure. Glad this kitty did survive the ordeal. The perpetrator of this crime is probably a young adult, and a future serial killer possibly! Ought to be locked up for doing such a thing, and made responsible for all Vet bills incurred. But definitely should receive jail time. Our laws on animal cruelty are way too light!!!

Thanks for Allowing me a Voice!
lj

jmuhj September 30, 2009 5:09 PM

I also read the initial coverage on this incident. As I always say, I favor the death penalty for anyone who wilfully harms a cat. And I can't understand people who value human lives above those of other living beings. The Creator made us all and values us equally. To me, cats are more beloved than any human I've met. I would love the chance to send the person who did this, and all like them, straight to hell. But I'd leave it to the Creator, who will surely deal with all such monsters eventually in the ways they so richly deserve. As for this beautiful cat, I pray she is placed in a loving, forever INDOOR home, as every cat deserves; and I can't urge everyone strongly enough, KEEP YOUR CATS INDOORS!!!

Iniki September 30, 2009 5:16 PM

This story makes me bristle all over. What in the name of the Lord was this miserable excuse for a person thinking when they wrapped this cat in tape? Answer is they were not thinking and they just didn't care. I so wish that when this person is caught they would wrap them in tape and leave them to fend of themselves.

annie September 30, 2009 7:18 PM

the person who did this to that poor cat needs to have the same done to them.

totally awful.

will add sticky to my prayer list.

Diana September 30, 2009 7:19 PM

Might be better off if we neutered more people and fewer cats.

Skylark September 30, 2009 7:38 PM

Utterly shocking! I just can't imagine what twisted kind of person could do something like this to a helpless kitten, or ANY animal for that matter. Why torture an animal? For ANY reason??

Amy October 1, 2009 4:53 AM

First of all I agree with Diana about neutering more humans than cats. The sick person who did this could eventually become a serial killer. I also believe that people who let their cats roam never ever think something like this could happen to their cat. Time to wake up and realize it is NOT safe. That is why my cats are never allowed outside.

Nancy October 1, 2009 9:34 AM

This makes me sick to my stomach!!! That poor little thing....what she went through!!! I can imagine how I would feel if someone did that same thing to me against my will....terrified!!! People who are cruel to animals and perform such acts never receive heavy enough punishment. 30 days of community service is a joke!!! They should automatically get LIFE in prison...maybe then, there would be less of these horrible acts done to helpless animals. I don't believe in people allowing their pets to roam, either. If you're going to have a pet, then treat it as a pet!!! ALL 31 of mine are indoors amd are just fine with it. They love to lay and look out the windows. They are flea-free, worm-free, and healthy! And I must add, all are spayed/neutered, too! They are all rescues and are very loving little creatures. What I don't understand is why the punishment for animal cruelty is so light compared to crimes done to humans. It should be the same for both!!! After all, we were all created by God, so I can see no difference! My cats are my best friends...better than any human friends I've ever had!!!! I hope they catch and PUNISH the person who did this horrible crime! How about a good caning like they do overseas? 10 lashes ought to be punishment enough! That would make them think twice about doing it again, that's for sure!!!

Rebecca October 1, 2009 11:11 AM

It makes me want to cry. I can't believe what people do to these poor animals. What would make them think that it's ok to do that to a defenseless kitten? I just can't believe it.

Bev October 1, 2009 11:22 AM

WE all know that life in prison would be out of the question, even though we'd like to do it. How about some 'manual labor' working with/for animals and people to supervise and make certain it's done right?? Like maybe the person needs to work in animal shelters or rescues or whatever, doing all the 'clean up' work for a year. Maybe they need to empty 'trash' from all the vets surgeries, care, etc. Something that makes them see what their ignorance does to animals and makes a point!

Bev October 1, 2009 11:23 AM

Pam October 1, 2009 11:27 AM

For some reason, many people dislike cats. I think these individuals are control freaks and as we cat lovers know, cats are too independent and control freaks cannot handle that concept, therefore, they develop sinister and cruel ways of "controlling" the cat. I have heard so many horrific stories of cat abuse and I always tell people that I do not have the time to offer to those conversations. We love each and every one of our cats as part of our family and are devastated if something happens to one of them so I hope the best for "Sticky" and that she and her real loving owner can be reunited very soon!

Anonymous October 1, 2009 11:52 AM

People who are cruel to animals are also cruel to fellow human beings. They are sick and should be locked up and treated during the rest of their lives.

Kelly Garbinsky October 1, 2009 11:54 AM

People who abuse animals are just really sick, demented and evil people.

clarissa October 1, 2009 12:27 PM

i do really feel for that poor cat. i've had a veterinary assistant class that i attended for two years and i've seen some pretty horrible acts of cruelty. but without insulting anyone's opinions or beliefs i Do think some Of you guys are overdoing it when you say that animal life is more important or just as important as human life. I'm a christian and animals are a beautiful Creation but god gave Us some of these animals for different purposes. like to eat or help us with Farm-work. If there were to be a fire i'd get all humans out first and then try to rescue the innocent animals...yes i honestly do think that whoever did Do this crime was one sadistic pup and probably IS a stupid teen. You see acts of animal and human cruelty all over the internet that teens have initiated. even adults! but yes duct taping them and then yanking it off of them Would be a better punishment Than just keeping it on him/her for an eternity. I'm actually going to pray for The abuser because This was ridiculous.

Timmyfan October 1, 2009 12:31 PM

Animal cruelty really PISSES me off!! I don't even really like cats, but this is a low thing for anyone to do!!! The person who did this should be horsewhipped!!!

ZORRY USA October 1, 2009 12:41 PM

when I saw Sticky in the news I cry so much ;-(( till it hurt., we must talk about ( Animal Abuse )in the School System's to Educate everyone on how Animals Abuse hurts our animals and show them how they suffer and die alone in pain., talk to your kids and family and friends to report all Animal Abuse. noone will say who called it in.. to be so cruel to animals they must be menally sick and Evil and should be put away locked up..and they should post pictures of all those who have Abuse Animals in the pass at all animal clinics and Hospitals All public places so they can see all the evil people who abuse animals.,
my heart goes out to Sticky he was one of the lucky one.s who got help in time..I bless the person who found Sticky..Animals bring joy to our life and beauty...Bless all the animals today and always.,

THERESA October 1, 2009 12:42 PM

I LIVE IN PHILLY, THIS STUFF HAPPENS ALL THE TIME, THEN THEY BRING MIKE VICK HERE! WHAT NEXT. THEY CAUGHT THIS GUY WHO DID THIS TO THE CAT AND OUR NEWS REPORTED THAT THE PERSON THEY CAUGHT SAID HE DIDN'T KNOW WHY HE DID IT, AND HE HAS FAMILY PROBLEMS SO SOMEONE IS GOING TO GET HIM HELP? RIGHT!!!

Stephanie October 1, 2009 12:45 PM

Thank god she was found poor little thing..its very upsetting someone would do that

martha October 1, 2009 1:09 PM

This made me sick! I have a cat of my own and couldn't imagine someone doing that to him.

Ruth from England October 1, 2009 1:40 PM

I wish I had 5 minutes alone with the cruel moron who did this !! He/she would be sorry they'd ever been born.There is only one solution to the animal abuse going on,the punishment advised in the Bible ... 'an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, a life for a life' But that's never going to happen nowadays,it's all about 'human rights' even though those who hurt any animal are sub human !!!

Kristyl October 1, 2009 1:54 PM

it was probably kids around 13 years of age. They should be punished severely, if so. They should have to give an entire year of service at animal shelters under extreme supervision from adults. Their parents should be fined $500.00 and have it go to the shelter or hospital that cleaned up the cat...or give them the entire bill if it's more than that. JMO

DeAnna October 1, 2009 1:58 PM

I hope this person is caught and tortured the way they tortured this poor, innocent animal. I swear to God, if I ever found a person doing this to an animal, I would kill them. This is sick and wrong.

DeAnna October 1, 2009 1:59 PM

Min October 1, 2009 2:37 PM

Sickening! What kind of world are we creating such that people behave this way? Then there are those with genetic issues, or some such that has them intrinsically challenged. I do not don't know the solutions. Something to do with knowledge, teaching, values, compassion.........Gandhi had said that it is our responsibility to BE the changes we wish to see in the world. Alas, so much for this more rational moment I'm having.

I agree with all the comments October 1, 2009 5:19 PM

And I wanted to add that I'm grateful that along with the picture there was comment that the poor thing is okay with all the tape removed and will be fine. Phew!

Louise October 1, 2009 6:05 PM

The person needs to be punished. 5 years sounds mildly fair. I will pray that the person is caught and pray that they will serve their time and learn from it.

kathy October 1, 2009 9:31 PM

We know it's probably a male who did it (sorry to innocent males)but I think he should be wrapped up in duct tape with a certain part exposed with honey on it & thrown on a gigantic ant hill !!!

Steve October 1, 2009 10:26 PM

Well, apart from Bev and Zorry you people are out of your minds. Of course, no sane person wants to see any animal get hurt for any reason, but life in prison, corporal punishment, or just an old fashion beating is not the answer no matter how upset you are. I think everyone here will admit that more than likely this was the job of some kid. That doesn't excuse what happened by a very long shot. The question needs to be asked not only how to punish, but why did it happen and how to prevent this kind of thing from happening again? Instead of calling down the fire and brimstone, what are you people doing in your communities to help with the problem. Quit your bitching, leave you 31 indoor cats at home (I'm sure they'll be alright for a couple of hours) and get out there and talk to your neighbourhood kids. Help to get them actively involved in anyway you may think is positive. Helping to build connections now between kids and animals will in result in adults who feel as strongly as all of us here as to the importance of the ethical treatment of animals domesticated and otherwise. I love our 5 cats and 2 dogs. Don't get me wrong. I've caught people abusing animals before and put a stop to it. No I didn't beat them, but I happen to know those people will never pull that crap again and are active in the helping of animals in need within their community. So, are you doing...besides adopting more animals and driving around with bumper stickers that tells other people they should do the same?

http://www.prisonpetpartnership.org/html_new/mission.htm
http://www.strokenetwork.org/newsletter/pets/visits.htm
http://www.vetclick.com/news/view_article.php?ArticleId=115

Anonymous October 2, 2009 6:15 AM

FIND THIS PERSON AND YOU'LL FIND EITHER A SERIAL ILLER OR THE NEXT SERIAL KILLER!

animal_lover October 12, 2009 8:33 PM

i cant belive that someone would do that to an inoccent creature. to me thats kinda like abortion, YOU SHOULDNT DO IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Michelle January 21, 2010 3:35 PM

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Man alivin'! I literally shed tears when I saw this! Mind you, I shed tears any time I read of cruelty to any person or creature. The minds of some people....I don't care if it was a child or teenager or adult - no one should be doing this sort of thing to any other living being. There's no call for it!