HSUS Helps Pay Vet Bill in Horrific Sonoma County Kitten Cruelty Case

July 24, 2007

The Humane Society of the United States has joined with the Animal Hospital of Cotati and Forgotten Felines of Sonoma County, California to help defray the veterinary costs for treating a badly burned young kitten.  The HSUS is also calling for counseling for the two self-confessed perpetrators of the crime.

The kitten, "Adam," is recovering from extensive burn wounds at the Animal Hospital of Cotati, where he underwent skin graft surgery.  His veterinary bills have been projected to be as high as $20,000 – much of which will be absorbed by the Animal Hospital and Forgotten Felines of Sonoma County.  The HSUS has donated $1000 toward the cat's treatment.

When details of Adam's horrific ordeal were revealed last month, The HSUS issued a $2500 reward for details leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for his suffering.  Shortly after, a brave 11-year-old boy named Caesar came forward and reported that he had witnessed two 15-year old girls setting fire to the then eight-week-old kitten.  The girls subsequently confessed their crime, and animal-lover Caesar now stands to receive that reward.

HSUS Director of Human Animal Relations Dr. Mary Lou Randour has contacted the Sonoma County Prosecutor's office to ask that the girls receive not only stern sentencing, but also strict psychological intervention.  Dr. Randour, a psychologist specializing in the link between animal abuse and interpersonal violence, is the author of a handbook for mental health professionals, "AniCare Child: An Assessment and Treatment Approach for Childhood Animal Cruelty," as well as a forthcoming handbook for court personnel written in partnership with the American Bar Association, "A Common Bond: Maltreated Children and Animals in the Home."

Forgotten Felines of Sonoma County, a local cat protection group who were the first to learn of and respond to the kitten's condition, has established a fund to help cover veterinary costs.  FFSC reports that over 50 people have offered to adopt Adam when he is released – and the leading contender is the head vet tech at the Animal Hospital of Cotati, who takes him home with her every night for around-the-clock care. 

"The Humane Society of the United States learned of Adams's story and knew that we could help in three separate ways," said  Dale Bartlett, deputy manager, animal cruelty issues, The HSUS. "First, we can present the $2500 reward to the brave young man who not only retrieved the cat and sought help for him, but also helped identify the young women who perpetrated this horrible crime.  Second, we can offer our expertise in the treatment of violent animal abusers.  And third, by helping with Adam's veterinary bills, we can participate in the effort to give this three-month-old kitten a long and happy life."

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The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization – backed by 10 million Americans, or one of every 30. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education, and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty -- On the web at humanesociety.org.