(Photo courtesy of The Jacksonville News) Veterinarian Amanda Hall of Baytree Animal Hospital in Valdosta holds Blackie, an 8-month-old kitten, that is recovering from third-degree burns at the hospital.

Veterinarians in two states are working to save the lives of a pair of kittens that were tortured with fireworks and set ablaze near their owner's rural South Georgia home, an attack that has horrified detectives and animal lovers.

   (Photo courtesy of The Jacksonville News)  Little Jim, who is 8-months old, is the other kitten found with severe burns. Little Jim is hospitalized at the University of Florida Veterinary Medical Center in Gainesville.

Little Jim, an 8-month-old, gray-and-white tabby, suffered third-degree burns over 40 percent of his body. He was in "very critical" condition at the University of Florida Veterinary Medical Center in Gainesville, said veterinarian Amanda Hall of Baytree Animal Hospital in Valdosta.  "Little Jim needs multiple skin grafts and surgeries," Hall said.

Hall transferred the kitten to the widely respected veterinary medical center. She keeps tabs on Little Jim's condition via daily telephone calls to his doctors. They are keeping him in a medically induced coma to control the excruciating pain as he is treated, she said.

Little Jim's sister, Blackie, sustained third-degree burns on her feet, belly, face and head. Hall had to amputate a portion of Blackie's ears because the burns were so severe. Blackie continues to recover at the animal hospital, she said.

"These are two very sweet and affectionate kitties. They are dearly loved by their owner, and none of us can understand why someone would do this," Hall said.

Hall was on call Dec. 20 when the kittens' owner, Jim Ragan, who lives 5 miles away in neighboring Brooks County, rushed them to Baytree. The kittens had managed to make their way home to Ragan despite their injuries, she said.

Two days later, one of Ragan's neighbors brought in his kitten that also had been severely burned like Little Jim and Blackie. Fluffy, a 4-month-old long-haired kitten, was so badly injured that Hall had to euthanize her the following day.

Hall believes a sparkler or Roman candle was inserted in the cats' rectums and they were doused with lighter fluid and set on fire.  "It's just horrific," she said.

Sgt. Keith Anderson of the Brooks County Sheriff's Office, the lead investigator, said it was the worst animal cruelty case the Sheriff's Office has encountered in recent memory. No arrests have been made, though Anderson said police have "a couple of suspects."

Whoever did it will be charged with three counts of felony animal cruelty, each punishable by one to five years in prison and a $15,000 fine, he said.

There haven't been any prior animal cruelty cases reported in the area off Troupville Road near the Brooks-Lowndes County line, where the kittens were burned, Anderson said.

"This indicates a deeply disturbing problem that could lead to other things even worse," Anderson said. He noted animal cruelty often leads to escalating acts of violence.

A $500 reward is being offered by the Sheriff's Office and Brooks County Humane Society for information leading to the arrest and conviction of whoever did it, authorities said.

Hall said Little Jim has "lost a lot of skin" because of the burns and needs extensive care as he recovers. Blackie should be well enough to go home next week, if her feet continue to heal, she said.

"Both these cats are such troupers. Little Jim wants to eat, and he purrs whenever they wake him up," Hall said. "Blackie purrs and wants to be loved and love on you."

Hall said she would have euthanized both if she hadn't believed that they had a strong will to live, and had a good chance at recovery.  "They're fighters and deserve a chance," she said.

Donations needed:  Hall estimated Little Jim's treatment has cost $5,000 already. His care may add up to $15,000 or more before he is released from the medical center, she said.

St. Francis Ministries, a nonprofit humane animal welfare organization in Lowndes County, is collecting contributions to help Ragan pay for the kittens' medical care. The group has collected "a couple hundred dollars" so far, but is planning a cookout fundraiser and silent auction to attract contributions, said Eleanor Parten, co-chairwoman of the organization.

"That someone could do this to innocent animals, it's just unthinkable," Parten said. "We want to do what we can to help them."

Hall hopes making the kittens' plight public will prompt tips leading to the arrest of whoever hurt them.  "They need all our help," she said.

Anyone with information about the case is urged to call the Brooks County Sheriff's Office at (229) 263-7558. Tips also may be left online under the "Anonymous Tip Center" link on the Sheriff's Office Web site: http://www.brooks-county.org

"Our first call came in from the Eagle Run neighborhood that someone had seen a fireball go across their yard. Then the animal hospital called and said they were getting cats that were burnt...absolute cruel situation, no sense in it...in any way shape or form, uncalled for," said Sheriff Richard Chafin said.

How to help - Donations to help pay for Little Jim and Blackie's veterinary care may be sent to St. Francis Ministries, care of Karen Gunter, 5190 Snake Nation Road, Hahira, Ga. 31632. The nonprofit animal humane ministry may be reached by calling 229-794-8512.

Update 12/30/08:  James Ragan has spent the last 10 days running between the Sheriff's Office and Baytree Animal Hospital getting updates on two of his cats, Little Jim and Blackie, who showed up in his yard burned and bleeding last week.

"One at a time I found them badly burned and they'd been burned so bad the skin was split," said Ragan.

Ragan discovered his neighbor's cat days later with similar injuries but that cat had to be put to sleep.

While police are following up on leads, Ragan told me that he is also handing out fliers to his neighbors and other community members to help bring the individual responsible to justice.

Update 1/2/09:  The Brooks County Sheriff's Office is now offering a monetary reward for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individual responsible for burning three cats over the weekend of December 20, 2008.

Also, the pet owner is asking the public to donate money because the medical bills for these felines is growing and he does not have the funds to finance their medical needs.

"If it wasn't for St. Francis and Dr. Hall, we probably would have had to put all three of them down because it's probably going to be between $15,000 and $20,000 to treat them and I don't have the money to put that much into it," said Jim Ragan, owner of the two surviving burnt cats.

Update 1/6/09:  A second cat has died after an appalling case of animal abuse in Brooks County.

One was so severely injured it had to be euthanized right away. Another cat died yesterday.

The Brooks County Sheriff's Office is still investigating. They're going door-to-door at the Eaglewood Estates mobile home park where the incident occurred.

The third cat, Blackie, remains in good condition at Baytree Animal Hospital in Valdosta. Dr. Amanda Hall tells us, "Unfortunately, Little Jim did pass away yesterday, and you know we're still looking for the people that did this. And any information that anybody has out there--please call the Sheriff's department in Brooks County."

You can reach Keith Anderson at the Brooks County Sheriff's Office at (229) 263-7558. The sheriff's office and the National Humane Society are offering rewards in the case.

Update 2/2/09:  Brooks County Sheriff Mike Dewey announced today the arrest of Cory Ward, 17, of Brooks County for Aggravated Cruelty to Animals in the death of two cats and the disfiguration of a third cat in the area of Eagle Run Trailer Park. Ward was taken into custody at approximately 12:30 p.m. today and is to appear before Brooks County Magistrate Judge Joyce Miskiel this afternoon for arraignment.

  (Photo courtesy of Brooks County Sheriff's Office)

On December 20, 2008, Jim Ragan found two cats that were severely burned. Both cats were taken to Baytree Animal Hospital. On December 22, 2008, Mr. Ragan found a third cat that had also been burned and had two broken legs.

Two of the cats – “Fluffy” and “Little Jim” were taken to the University of Florida Veterinary Hospital where they later died. Blackie continues to improve at home with surgery scheduled in the next few weeks.

“After extensive investigation and follow-up on leads provided to us by concerned citizens we were able to solve this case,” stated Sheriff Mike Dewey. “We appreciate the many individuals who came forward with information and offers to help with the medical costs and the reward money,” the Sheriff continued.

“Individuals who commit such heinous acts as the burning of these innocent animals, if not caught and held accountable for these acts may go on to commit more serious crimes in the future.” Dewey further stated.

Aggravated Animal Cruelty is a felony and carries a penalty of 1 – 5 years and a maximum fine of $15,000 plus restitution. Currently medical costs for the treatment of “Fluffy”, “Little Jim” and “Blackie” is approximately $16,000.

Reference:

Jacksonville News

WCTV News

WALB 10 News