UPDATE: She’s a he, and is doing well after surgery! Learn why the Oregon Humane Society is offering a $5,000 reward to find out who shot and abandoned this kitten in a dumpster …
Officials want to know who shot a kitten, and dumped it – still alive – into this waste bin in the Hazelwood neighborhood.
By David F. Ashton
The Oregon Humane Society (OHS) medical staff is working to save the life of a 12-week-old kitten rescued from an outer East Portland trash bin that they’ve named “Lucy”.
Because of the circumstances that caused Lucy to be brought in to them, they and the Animal Legal Defense Fund are offering a total of $5,000 as a reward for information regarding the person who attempted to kill the kitten, said OHS Public Information Manager David Lytle.
“She was discovered on the morning of May 28 by a concerned citizen,” Lytle said. “The person brought her to OHS to receive medical attention.”
After being shot twice with an air rifle or a .22 caliber firearm, Lucy was wrapped in two black garbage bags and put in a dumpster in the parking lot of an apartment building on the 2200 block of SE 96th Avenue, north of SE Division Street.
Lucy doesn’t look happy about getting a shampoo, but is on the road to recovery, veterinarians say.
“It is not known how long Lucy was in the dumpster before being discovered,” Lytle said. “OHS veterinarians have not yet determined the type of weapon responsible for Lucy’s wound.”
Lucy will soon undergo surgery to remove a bullet or pellet that struck her in the head, and caused brain trauma, veterinarians said – and which is now lodged in her cheek.
“In cases involving such a young animal with possible neurological damage we must remain cautious, but we are optimistic that Lucy will make a full recovery,” said Dr. Jacqueline Blanchette, OHS lead veterinarian.
“The person who did this horrible act to Lucy could be a danger to other animals, as well as to people,” said Sharon Harmon, OHS Executive Director. “We hope the public will share any information they have with our investigators to help solve this case.”
In the caring hands of a OHS professional, Lucy appears to be content.
UPDATE:
On June 16, OHS announced that the kitten they named Lucy is actually a male, and are now calling him “Lou”.
Veterinarians at OHS performed surgery on Lou to remove the pellets.
“He had surgery yesterday to remove the pellet that was lodged in his jaw and still has a healing skull fracture. But once those heal up, she should be fairly healthy,” said OHS investigator, Emily Davidson.
Lou the kitty is recovering well, Davidson said, but the society is perturbed none that the tips about who shot him, wrapped him in plastic bags and threw him in a dumpster haven’t lead to a suspect.
“It’s in everyone’s best interest to find the abuser,” Davidson said. “Someone who has the ability to treat a small animal so cruelly also has the ability to treat humans with the same indifference.”
Anyone with information concerning these crimes is encouraged to contact OHS.
There is a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible; call and leave a message at (503) 285-7722, ext. 214, to be eligible for the reward.
© 2015 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News