Advocacy organization investigating a kitten’s case of animal cruelty

Apollo. (Photo courtesy of Alley Cat Allies)

A kitten found in Cleveland, Ohio with a suspected traumatic foot injury is believed to be the victim of animal cruelty or neglect. Alley Cat Allies, an advocacy organization for cats, is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for any information that aids in the prosecution and conviction of anyone responsible for these acts of animal cruelty or neglect of the kitten, later named Apollo.

“Any knowledge offered by citizens about Apollo is critical to uncovering what caused his injury and seeking justice,” wrote the organization in a news release.¹

According to the organization, Apollo, an orange tabby kitten approximately 3 months old, was discovered in Cleveland with his right front paw missing and the tendons of his leg exposed due to the injury.

After Apollo was found, Alley Cat Allies alerted the Cleveland Animal Protective League (APL) of Apollo’s situation and arranged for him to receive urgent veterinary care. Alley Cat Allies covered his treatment costs, including veterinary forensics to investigate the injury's cause.¹ Earlier this week, Apollo’s entire leg had to be surgically amputated due to the severity of his injury, according to an Alley Cat Allies Facebook post.^1,2

Apollo is recovering well and is currently receiving additional care at the Cleveland APL. An ongoing investigation into the cause of his injury is in progress. “Alley Cat Allies helped make the surgery possible, and we're glad to say Apollo is doing well in the aftermath,” wrote the organization in a Facebook post.²

Even after his traumatic injury, Apollo has maintained a positive disposition. “Despite what he's been through, everyone who has come in contact with him says he's very sweet,” wrote Alley Cat Allies in the Facebook post.²

Anyone with information is encouraged to reach out to the Cleveland APL humane investigations hotline at 216-377-1630.¹ “We are determined to discover what caused the horrific injury and get to the bottom of the situation for Apollo's sake,” Alley Cat Allies stated.²

Reports for animal abuse in cats, dogs, horses, and livestock are most frequently reported.³ Moreover, data on domestic violence and child abuse cases indicate that a significant number of animals facing abuse are targets of individuals who also abuse their children or spouses, according to the Humane Society of the United States.³ Worldwide, approximately 1 animals are victims of abuse every minute, with around 10 million animals in the US dying from abuse or cruelty each year.⁴

References

1. Alley Cat Allies offers $10,000 reward related to kitten with traumatic foot injury in Cleveland, Ohio. News release. Alley Cat Allies. October 22, 2024. Accessed October 24, 2024. https://www.alleycat.org/alley-cat-allies-offers-10000-reward-related-to-kitten-with-traumatic-foot-injury-in-cleveland-ohio/
2. Alley Cat Allies Facebook page. Alley Cat Allies is providing critical care for a kitten from Cleveland, Ohio. October 21, 2024. Accessed October 24, 2024. https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1043784551124920&id=100064801538068&_rdr
3. Animal cruelty facts and stats. The Humane Society of the United States. Accessed October 24, 2024. https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/animal-cruelty-facts-and-stats#:~:text=Correlation%20with%20domestic%20violence,physical%20abuse%20of%20their%20children.
4. Sleight M, Nyerges S, McGinley K. Animal abuse facts and statistics 2024. USA Today. September 25, 2024. Accessed October 24, 2024. https://www.usatoday.com/money/blueprint/pet-insurance/animal-abuse-statistics/