The case of a cat found beaten and nailed to a utility pole in rural Henry County is sparking outrage and flooding the local Humane Society chapter with pledges to help pay the animal's medical bills.
Those working to save the cat have named him "Dutch" because he was found hanging from a utility pole off of Dutch Road outside Geneseo, about 150 miles from Chicago.
The cat had been badly beaten and then nailed to the pole by its rear paw. A driving down Dutch road on Monday saw the cat and called authorities.
Bonnie Wick, a volunteer at the Henry County Humane Society, says Dutch suffered brain swelling and that's what has veterinarians most worried. It's too early to say for sure that the cat will survive. There was a hopeful sign this morning, however. When the his cage was opened, Dutch jumped into a volunteer's arms and began nuzzling her and mewing, according to Wick.
The Henry County Sheriff's Department is investigating the case. The AP reports the cat has a microchip but the owners can't be found. TV station WQAD reports the cat was a stray that local people had been feeding. See the video below for a WQAD report on the story.
http://www.examiner.com/x-7520-Chicago-Crime-Examiner~y2010m4d7-Video-Cat-beaten-and-nailed-to-utility-pole-shows-improvement-but-survival-not-certainGENESCO, Ill. - A cat found hanging from a utility pole in rural Geneseo on Monday is said to be improving and is expected to survive, officials said. He's also got a place to call home after he recovers.
Representatives at a veterinarian's office in Atkinson, where the cat is being cared for, said Wednesday his eyes are much brighter Wednesday morning and he appears more active and even meowing more.
At this point, the cat doesn't have much of an appetite, but that is not a big concern right now considering what he has been through. The representatives also said that he has been adopted.
There is no word yet on possible suspects in the incident.
http://www.wqad.com/news/wqad-animal-abuse-case-update-040710,0,7687327.storyLinks have donation info.
Monsters! I hope they catch them before they injure another animal or person.