“Sticky”, the name this cat was given after the PSPCA picked her up last week after a woman found the cat completely enveloped in duct tape from the neck down, in her yard, is doing just fine. Thankfully, Sticky is expected to make a full recovery.
A $2,000 reward was offered by the PSPCA leading to the conviction of the perpetrator. Many leads came in and subsequently an arrest was made.
James Davis, 19, admitted committing this act of animal cruelty against the defenseless cat on September 21st. Sticky was found the next day unable to move or walk.
Davis may be charged with a misdemeanor unless he has prior convictions.
I know the first question I would normally ask is why. Why? Who knows? For the fun of it for the abuser? To watch an animal suffer, struggle, to torture……..it’s anyone’s guess. For me I feel the question isn’t why any longer but what can we do to stop animal cruelty.
What exactly is animal cruelty and why do people commit such crimes? According to PetAbuse.Com, animal cruelty covers a wide range of actions or lack of actions and is usually broken down into two main categories: active and passive.
Passive Cruelty (Acts of Omission) is typical of neglect. This happens when people neglect to feed, give water, failure to seek veterinary care when the pet needs it or inadequate shelter in extreme weather conditions , etc… Make no mistake, this type of cruelty can cause much suffering for an animal and cannot be taken lightly or ignored.
Active Cruelty (Acts of Comission) implies malicious intent. A person deliberately and intentionally harms an animal. These types of acts are very disturbing and should be considered signs of serious psychological problems. This type of behavior is often associated with sociopathic behavior and should be taken very seriously.
For me there is a fine line between the two types of cruelty- a very fine line.
Obviously, Sticky is a victim of active cruelty. A number of people have called to say “Sticky” is their cat. These people must have proof before the PSPCA would return her.
One thing that always strikes me is the number of people who always want to adopt these animals that are featured in news stories. A cat like Sticky can be found in any animal shelter/ rescue on any given day of the year. There are so many dogs and cats with similar stories that don’t make the headlines waiting and waiting for the same type of attention Sticky has received.
Go to your local animal shelter and check out the great animals these places have. All of these animals need homes. So many have lost their lives because they weren’t given a second chance. Why? Is it because they are in an animal shelter? You tell me.
Some of the greatest pets can be found at your local shelter. I should know. That is exactly where I have adopted my last five pets. And before that, I took in others’ pets when they no longer could take care of them. I cannot begin to tell you the joy they have brought into my life!
Save a life and adopt from your local animal shelter or rescue organization!