Cat intentionally set on fire in Baltimore

Mittens - lucky to be alive

Staff at Baltimore Area Rescue and Care Shelter (BARCS) are currently looking after a cat that was maliciously set on fire and, as a result, is suffering from third degree burns.

The cat, named ‘Mittens’ and her litter of kittens were confiscated and placed in the care of BARCS so Mittens can safely recover from her ordeal.

Witnesses of the event claim that the cat was thrown in a crate by her young owner, doused in lighter fluid and set on fire. The cat jumped out and extinguished herself. Being a recent mother of kittens she returned to the house to take care of her litter.

BARCS staff have stated that two people have been arrested in connection with this shocking crime, however the police have yet to confirm this either way.

Mittens is recovering and will stay at BARCS for the foreseeable future, until she is well enough for her and her kittens to go to a BARCS approved foster home. It is said her hair may not grow back in places where the burns were more severe. Once she has fully recovered, she will be available for adoption.

Clinton Young, a pet owner who lives near where the incident occurred, was appalled by the cruel act. ”I just can’t see how kids do that, but they do it,” he said. “I really don’t understand why they’d do something like that. A cat or a dog is a lovable animal.”

Donations are being accepted through the BARCS website or at the shelter located at 301 Stockholm Street in South Baltimore.

More on this story can be found on the WBAL website