COLUMBIA, S.C. — Content warning: News19 is including the photo of the cat that was provided by the Humane Society further down in this article. Some readers may find the image too disturbing to look at.
The Humane Society in Columbia, along with the Richland County Sheriff's Department (RCSD) and Columbia Police Department, is asking the public for any information regarding the abuse of a cat at an apartment complex off Garners Ferry Road sometime during the week of July 4.
A resident at Spring Lake Apartments, at 7645 Garners Ferry Rd., reported that one of the cats she has been feeding was found crawling from a pond at the complex as if someone meant to harm the animal. The caller said the cat was covered in some sort of glue-like substance and someone had attempted to glue the animal's eyes, nose and mouth shut. Whoever did that also shaved the cat and cut its whiskers.
The animal is under the care of CVETS and the Humane Society's Animal Welfare Advocate has started an investigation into the abuse. The caller stated that she last fed the animal on July 1, so the abuse occurred sometime between July 1 and when the caller found the animal on July 4. According to RCSD, a CVETS veterinarian said the cat has an 80% chance of survival.
Care for the cat is being donated by For the Love of Street Dogs in Lexington.
Dawn Wilkinson, executive director of the Humane Society, is asking the community for any tips or information as to what happened to the cat by calling 803-783-1267 and press 5 to leave a voicemail, or email at info@humanesc.org. You can also leave an anonymous tip at Crimestoppers, 1-888-CRIME-SC or with the P3Tips app.
According to Strom Law Firm, a person could be found guilty of a felony or a misdemeanor for animal abuse, depending on one's actions and intent. A felony charge carries a minimum sentence of 188 days and a maximum sentence of 5 years , and a $5,000 fine. A misdemeanor has a first-offense max of 90 days and/or a fine ranging from $100-$1,000; a second or subsequent offense of 2 years and/or a $2,000 fine.
The action being investigated by RCSD and CPD is considered a felony.
