A cat is recovering after the animal was found severely burned and left under a staircase at an apartment complex in District Heights.

(Photo's courtesy of ABC 7 and NBC 4)

Chief Rodney Taylor, head of the Animal Management Group at the Department of Environmental Resources says that his office will be handing out flyers at the apartment complex in an effort to drum up leads in the horrific animal cruelty case.

Twice a day, surgical tech Debbie Mader carefully carries a fragile yet affectionate 6-month-old kitten now named Mattie out of his cage at the Humane Society of Charles County facility in Waldorf to treat his severely burned body. "He just purrs and loves to rub his head all over me."  For all the animals that call the nurturing place home, the quietest voice has garnered the most affection. "He's very sweet. He loves attention."  Some of the wounds have begun to heal, but veterinarians still don't know if there is muscle or nerve damage.

Authorities found Mattie under a stairwell at the Penn Landing Apartments in District Heights. Police believe someone set the kitten on fire or dowsed him in some kind of acid. "It's just incredible to me that somebody could be that cruel to an animal and have no concept of the pain they cause them," said Jean Stuller, Humane Society of Charles County.

While the search goes on for the person responsible for harming the helpless creature, workers at the Humane Society are focused on saving Mattie, who remains susceptible to infection. "It's horrible to see the pain that he's in every time I have to put the ointment on in certain areas and he cries," said Mader.

It may take month of rehab and several surgeries before Mattie recovers. Despite his misfortunes, the people caring for Mattie say you won't find a cat here with a warmer disposition or a stronger will to live. "If he comes through this ok, I think he'll make someone a great pet. It's astounding that he can manage to keep going on and got to be in a lot of pain."

Authorities are aware of the connection between animal cruelty and human violence. Studies show there is a link between animal cruelty and other crimes, including drugs and sexual assault. "Those who abuse animals can be dangerous to people," said Dale Bartlett, the HSUS' deputy manager for animal cruelty issues. "Americans have no tolerance for violence against the creatures who share our world."

Authorities plan on returning to the Penn Landing Apartments to pass out flyers in an effort to drum up leads. A total of $4,500 is being offered for the arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible for setting Mattie on fire. Anyone with information about the case is asked to call the Prince George's County Department of Environmental Services and Animal Management at 301-499-8301 or the Prince Georges County Animal Control at 301-499-8307 Fax 301-324-2911.

After months of treatment and healing, Mattie will be available for adoption. Anyone interested in adopting Mattie should contact the Humane Society of Charles County at 301-645-8181.

Reference:

NBC 4

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ABC  7