Kitten tortured with fireworks recovering in foster home

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) The Fort Wayne Department of Animal Care and Control said the kitten, who they are calling Sparkles, is recovering in a foster home and will not be available for adoption for some time. Her paws are so badly burned, she doesn't stand on all four legs at once.

While she's not ready to go home with anyone yet, Animal Care and Control says plenty of other cats are available .

According to director Belinda Lewis, Sparkles, who appears to be about nine weeks old,  was brought to the animal shelter by a person who had found the cat in the area of 4500 Foxgrove which is near the intersection of Washington Center and Huguenard on the north side of Fort Wayne.

The cat's whiskers had been burned off, the pads on its feet were burned and it appeared that a rubber band had been used to attach fireworks to her tail.  

Animal Care and Control is investigating this as case of animal cruelty.

"She's on pain medications and as you can see as much pain as she has been in, she is just the sweetest little thing you can imagine," said Lewis.

Anyone with information is asked to call Animal Care and Control at 427-1244 or Crime Stoppers at 436-STOP.  The person responsible faces being prosecuted for a torture crime which is a Class D Felony which carries a prison sentence of between six months and three years.  The person could also face fines of up to $10,000.

The following YouTube Video which shows the cat's injuries was posted by Animal Care and Control:

With the 4th of July approaching Lewis stressed that people need to be aware of the dangers associated with fireworks and animals.