April 10, 2017
An abused cat that was found inside a trash truck in a Pennsylvania town last week is recovering, but activists are stepping up efforts to find those responsible.
The cash reward now stands at $6,000 for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in the Berks County animal abuse case. The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals added $5,000 to the offer Friday to the $1,000 originally put up by Humane Pennsylvania.
On Tuesday, trash collectors in Reading found the cat, now known as "Miracle Maisy," after hearing cries from inside the garbage truck as the compactor machine ran. Two workers inspected the truck and discovered the cat tied up inside a trash bag.
Maisy was soaked in gasoline and rushed to Humane Society of Berks County for an evaluation but needed to be sent to Humane Veterinary Hospitals Reading for treatment.
Although veterinarians shaved most of Maisy's fur to reduce the effect of the gasoline on her lungs and neurological functioning, the 1-year-old cat is expected to make a full recovery. Shelter officials are currently considering adoption options for Maisy.
The Reading Police Department is investigating but has yet to make an arrest. PETA is hoping the money will help crack the case.
“This cat suffered hideously as she was doused with gasoline, tied up in a garbage bag and thrown out with the trash,” said Colleen O’Brien, vice president of PETA. “PETA urges anyone with information about this case to come forward immediately so that this cat’s abuser can be held accountable and prevented from hurting anyone else.”
Humane Pennsylvania is covering the costs of Maisy's medical care but requests donations to continue supporting other animals in need.
Anyone with information about Maisy's abusers is urged to call police at (610) 655-6116.
