(WGGB/WSHM) – Animal welfare officials are looking for a “forever” retirement home for a “very special cat.”
MSPCA-Angell spokeswoman Sara-Rose Brenner said 15-year-old Mittens was hit by a car on March 24, breaking both of his front legs and breaking his jaw, which prevented him from eating. MSPCA-Angell claims the owners refused to seek medical treatment for Mittens, so officials stepped in and seized the cat from a home in western Massachusetts. Citing an ongoing investigation, MSPCA-Angell could not provide any further information on which community the cat was seized from.
Because bail ordered by a judge on June 20 was not paid, Mittens was forfeited to MSPCA-Angell.
Mike Keiley, vice president of animal welfare at MSPCA-Angell, noted that the cat’s situation was “incredibly unique and very complicated.” “Given his age and the severe injuries he had when he came to us, in most cases of this nature, euthanasia would have been the decision.” However, he added, “…Mittens was held as living evidence in an ongoing animal cruelty investigation and we did not have full ownership of him because he was seized and not surrendered.”
Veterinarians examined Mittens and determined they could treat his injuries while keeping him as comfortable as possible. “…Given our responsibilities as a law enforcement agency, we knew it was the right decision regardless of the cost,” Keiley added. Officials estimate it will cost more than $20,000 to help Mittens, and anyone interested in donating to help cover those costs can do so by clicking here.
Now that his journey with MSPCA-Angell is over, they are trying to find a good home for Mittens. Adoption center staff believe he would be happy in a home with a dog or other cats and, given his healing process, may be able to live with gentle children.
Mittens is now available for adoption and can be adopted free of charge from August 26th to 30th as part of the Felineanomenon Adoptathon. If you are interested in adopting Mittens, you can find out more here.
Copyright 2024. Western Mass News (WGGB/WSHM). All rights reserved.
