Tuesday, February 26, 2002
The Associated Press
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - The reward has grown to more than $20,000 for information leading to the arrest of the person who sliced off a cat's front paws.
The Humane Society of the United States pledged $2,500 Tuesday to bring the reward to more than $20,000 in pledges and cash donations.
A paralegal noticed the injuries Feb. 4 after two weeks of feeding the limping cat outside her law firm. She brought the stray to an animal shelter, where it underwent a successful emergency operation to provide padding on the two front stumps to make it easier for the animal to walk.
Veterinarians believe the injury was intentional and the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office is investigating. An animal cruelty conviction carries a maximum penalty of five years in jail for a felony and up to a year in jail for a misdemeanor.
The paralegal, Deborah Peterson, 40, plans to adopt the gray-and-white tabby cat, nicknamed "Babydoll" and "Lucky Paws." |
