Katniss
An eight-week-old kitten that was tortured and burned in Cleveland on Oct. 5 has died.
Veterinarian Dr. Todd Dolen had been taking care of Katniss.
He reported on his Facebook page:
"It is with broken heart that I must tell you this morning that sweet Katniss has passed away. She fought a brave fight for two weeks and was kind to those she met even after suffering such brutallity in her short life. She was awake and purring to us this morning and even talked a bit. I left her alone on the bed while I showered for church and when I returned to her she had pe...acefully passed, leaving behind her broken body and the fond memories of her we will always cherish.
"Please keep the Dolens and staff of Animal Aid in your thoughts as we mourn this sad loss. 2 weeks of critical care has given us much time to bond and fall in love with her. We are grateful to have met her and witnessed her bravery. We were blessed by your prayers and community support.
Please continue support Justice for Katniss and Animal Aid TN. Together we will ensure that her short life has a lasting meaning by educating those around us about animal cruelty and ensuring her tormentor is properly prosecuted.
"I struggle in search for understanding of why such innocents must needlessly suffer, but know I am a better person to have loved this courageous, sweet, loving little being. I will forever hear her tiny purr in my head from when I leaned over to kiss her this morning. That is how I wish to remember her and I hope you too will remember her fondly, not allowing hate for her tormentor to overshadow her memory. Please join me in redirecting those negative feelings toward positive change in this world in which we live.
"I love you all and am thankful to have been her doctor. I am so sorry that I could not save her."
The Cleveland Police Department has offered a reward in the case.
Lt. Robert Harbison earlier said the kitten sustained first-, second- and third-degree burns over 90 percent of its body. The kitten’s left leg had to be amputated due to severe injury.
Due to information reported that implicates a group of younger-aged males, the Cleveland Police Department School Resource Officers were notified.
Several private citizens in and out of the Cleveland area have come forward to contribute to the reward offered by police in hopes of increasing the possibility of someone coming forward with information that will assist in solving this crime. The reward offered is estimated to be over $1,000.
A special account has been opened up for anyone wishing to contribute to the reward. Monies are accepted at the city of Cleveland Municipal Building at 190 Church Street N.E. The account number is 999 110-36735.
Officials are urging the public to come forward with any information regarding this incident. Anyone may call the Cleveland Police Department Tip Line at 423 559-3396.