Investigators have identified suspects in the brutal attack of a cat in East Toledo.
Britni Wilson-Carleton, co-founder and president of the Compassionate Village animal rescue, said she could not comment further on the investigation but Toledo police would do so Monday.
A witness saw two teenage boys abusing Freedom, an orange adult male cat, on Dec. 27 in the 900 block of Freedom Street, according to a Toledo police report. One teen struck Freedom’s head with a baseball bat while the second kicked the animal, the report stated.
Freedom suffered eye damage and possible facial and jaw fractures.
Mrs. Wilson-Carleton said she hopes the youths involved take responsibility for their actions and receive professional help.
She praised the actions of Toledo police, especially Sgt. William Cashen, as well as the woman who witnessed and stopped the attack. That good Samaritan wishes to remain anonymous, Mrs. Wilson-Carleton said.
“If it wasn't for her, [Freedom] would not be with us. I can guarantee you that,” she said.
Freedom is at a medical center for pets in Columbus. Caretakers on Thursday noticed a sudden behavioral change, with the cat displaying low energy and lack of appetite. They took him to a Toledo facility before transferring the cat to Columbus.
The Compassionate Village has raised about $7,000 for Freedom’s medical expenses and spent about $4,100 so far. Current hospitalization and MRI will likely add another $3,300 to the bill, Mrs. Wilson-Carleton said.
“He's literally under anesthesia right now and having an MRI,” she said Saturday. “Hopefully the findings are nothing serious and can be managed with medication.”
Donations for Freedom’s care can be submitted through the group's Facebook page or at thecompassionatevillage.org.
First Published January 12, 2019, 6:10 p.m.
