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Shelter workers search for kitten's abuser

By KORIE WILKINS
Of The Daily Oakland Press

PONTIAC - Animal welfare workers are hoping to find out who tried to declaw a kitten, then left it to die.
Saint, a tawny and white-striped kitten, will have surgery today to try to repair damage to three of his four paws. The eight-week-old kitten is in pain and has trouble walking. His caregiver, Carmel Herpel, said pain medication helps take the edge off.

"He is such a sweet cat," she said. "I think he's going to make a full recovery. I hope to God he will, anyway."

An anonymous tipster called the Michigan Animal Rescue League in Pontiac on June 5 about the kitten, who was heard crying in a field off Sarasota in the city. When rescue workers went to retrieve the kitten, they were baffled about his injuries.

It appears someone tried to hack off his claws with a sharp object, leaving bloody scars, Herpel said. She said surgeons will evaluate whether Saint's paws can be saved, but the kitten may have to have his paws or knuckles amputated.

"When we first saw this, we thought he'd been hit by a lawn mower," said Kayla Allen, manager of the Michigan Animal Rescue League.

The league hasn't contacted police yet. Allen said workers are hoping someone with information on the abuse will call either the shelter or authorities.

"We don't have any idea who would do something like this," Allen said.

Herpel said adoption offers have been pouring in to the shelter after a local television news station ran a story on Saint. She said the kitten will be available for adoption after his injuries heal. In the meantime, she said the shelter is hoping for donations to help pay for his care.

They are also looking for answers as to who could injure a small animal in such a violent way.

"We see animal abuse cases all the time," Herpel said. "They are all horrible. But this is different. It is just so brutal.

"It's just amazing that this kitten has pulled through and is so trusting toward people."

Anyone with information on the abuse or who would like to donate money toward Saint's care can call the shelter at (24 335-9290.


and here is a link to little Saint's picture. Warning....it will break your heart. ....
http://www.theoaklandpress.com/image...8/8118_512.jpg