Many want duct-taped cat to find home, justice

[Refugee 7]

This cat was found body-wrapped with duct tape on Sept. 22, 2009, in a North Philadelphia yard. A $1,000 reward is being offered for the conviction of whoever is responsible.

The news that a cat was found body-wrapped in duct tape spurred an outpouring of public support to the Pennsylvania SPCA yesterday.

The calls and emails brought clues about the culprit, claims of ownership, financial contributions, and offers of adoption, said spokeswoman Liz Williamson this morning.

Thanks to donations, the reward has been doubled to $2,000 for information leading to a conviction, she said.

Yesterday, dozens of tips were called into the animal cruelty hotline - 866-601-7722.

"There were a few leads that came through that were credible and substantial, and the humane officers were chasing those down yesterday," she said.

A resident of the 2200 block of Edgley Street in North Philadelphia found the cat Tuesday afternoon.

The perpetrator could face 90 days in jail, and a fine up to $750 - unless the case is a repeat offense or is deemed to qualify as "torture," Williamson said.

In that case, the offender could get a year in jail and a fine up to $2,500.

No arrest is imminent, though, Williamson added.

Several people phoned yesterday claiming to be the owner of "Sticky," as workers at the North Philadelphia shelter nicknamed her.

Meetings will be set up soon to check out records and photographs that could verify someone's claim, she said.

The shelter also received about $2,000 in donations in honor of Sticky, Williamson said.

Many other people called or emailed offering to adopt the cat, if the owner can't be found.

But plenty of other pets - including some mistreated more than Sticky - are at the PSPCA hoping for a home, Williamson said.

To get started choosing, stop by a shelter or go to www.petfinder.com, she said.

The PSPCA's 14 humane law enforcement officers, who have the power to execute warrants and make arrests, handle more than 6,000 animal-cruelty cases a year, Williamson said.

Meanwhile, Sticky seems to have weathered her ordeal nicely.

"She is continging to do extremely well," Williamson said. "She is getting a lot of love from everyone here."

[Mudcrutch 285]

The only justice here is to completely duct-tape the culprit (naked) and leave them in a yard.

[nurktwin 2,143]

WTF is wrong with some people? this is only 1 reason i believe in the death penalty!!!

[Pankie 0]

Those bastards....

Whoever did this should be naked, have their privates duck-taped shut so that they can't pee, even if they had to....

[Pettyjunkie 0]

That's horrible!!! Just sickening.

[emmie 2]

Poor little soul. I hate this kind of thing. I sincerely hope they find the person responsible and throw the book at them.

[nurktwin 2,143]

emmie, the sad thing is that all they do is basically "throw the book at him/her" literally. there is NO real punishment, and that's what pisses me off.

[WildflowerNJ 136]

Oh no, this just breaks my heart.....people are just so mean....and cruel.:085: I wish this little guy gets the loving home he deserves.

You just wish all these animals had the loving and safe home as your own pets do.....

[Echosoftom 3]

Poor Sticky. I'll never understand how people can be so cruel to a helpless and defenseless animal? I'd like to duct tape this asshole and then drop him in a river. :mad:

[WildflowerNJ 136]

I sure hope they find out who did this, too.....Sticky :heart:

A0sEkHG91c8

[Ladywiz 4]

I agree with Benny...WTF is wrong with people??? That makes my sick!!! Just one more reason my cat NEVER goes outside unless he's in his carrier and I am with him. And the things I hear about that are done to black cats at Halloween!!! Charlie T will be in my arms all day that day!

[Marzirose 0]

Poor kitty.

I hope they find the jerk who did that to him and Sticky goes to a safe home.

[KansasPettyFan 1]

Poor precious baby. She seems to be doing good now.

I like Mud's idea. See what the evil person that thought this was a fun idea thinks about that. :096:

[Trishia4 28]

That's terrible and even disturbing to look at. Poor cat, look at that expression.

I am hopeful this cat will live a wonderful life to make up for this cruel experience.

[Beamish 0]

I hate seeing stuff like this.

[agirl 0]

Poor baby! I'm happy to hear she is doing well, but I hope they find the asshole who did this to her and throw the book at him!

[Starfish 0]

Poor kitty... like the idea of duct taping the culprit(s)

I hope all these people who are coming out of the woodwork wanting to claim or adopt this cat will consider taking home another cat from the shelter. There are a lot of cats out there in need of homes!

[Softanimal 7]

Poor creature. I don't know why anybody does that! They don't have any empathy at all.

[Square One 0]

ah this poor cat! I am glad she is doing better - seriously...wtf is wrong with people?!

[Trishia4 28]

More about cats in our paper today. Someone left several kittens in a cat carrier meant for one cat outside a local Humane Society. Also in a nearly closed tupperware container, two more adult cats with a four kittens. Good thing a worker happened to stop by at night when the place was closed and discovered the animals. I would hate to think of those poor cats all cramped up, no food and cold. How could someone do this?

[Patty Petty 9]

Yet one more reason why I hate people. :mad:

[The Wild One, Forever 2]

^Ditto! Seeing this made me sick.

[MaryJane 0]

this saddens me.

[Desert*Rose 0]

That's so awful...poor kitty.

The bastard who did that should be shot....