Domestic pets, in this day and age, have the dreams of happy homes and outstanding owners. While that dream does come true for some, others aren't that fortunate. Abandoned animals have become a sort-of epidemic within America and the dangers that they face are unbelievable. Unfortunately, these dangers can be from other animals... or their own owners.
Meet Smurf. He is an 8-week-old kitten who was found by the San Jose Animal Care Center. When he was brought in, he weighed 1.75 pounds and was dyed purple. Also, his body was littered with bite marks and deep lacerations, which many suspect he was used as another animal's "chew toy." It is uncertain how the first few weeks of this young kitten's life played out, but his harmed body and frightened eyes hint at unfathomable abuse. His spirit and willpower, however, remain intact.
The San Jose Animal Care Center gave Smurf to the Nine Lives Foundation for care, where the rescue group called him "Smurf" due to his fur's color. "I've seen a lot of animals used as bait for other animals; it looks to me like he was used as a chew toy," Dr. Monica Rudiger, the Nine Lives Foundation's founder, told San Jose Mercury News in an interview. "He obviously wasn't killed by the dog or whatever animal it was, but he was pretty badly injured."
Upon further investigation of his fur color, Dr. Rudiger concluded it appeared that Smurf was dipped in some sort of fabric dye. This was inflicted by whoever owned him previously, the treatments revealed. "I think there are people who find it amusing to take small, innocent animals and use them as play toys," Dr. Rudiger told Mercury News. She also believes Smurf was injured for amusement, as she told ABC News.
The foundation is working hard to bring Smurf back to full health, and upon his first weekend with the care facility, he had undergone surgery. Since then, the facility has reported that he has been feeling "so much better" and that he's been becoming more and more active. "He's a really trusting little kitty who is enjoying the attention he is receiving right now," Dr. Julie Desai told San Jose Mercury News. He has even found a friend: a blind kitten named Wanda, another kitten at the facility
This story, however, has outraged cat and animal lovers everywhere. His story has even brought the attention of celebrities such as Duane "Dog the Bounty Hunter" Chapman and his wife, Beth, who posted on their Facebook page stating: "Anyone with information about this kitten or who did this to it can receive a large cash reward [if you] send [us] your info."
His story has raised awareness to the chronic problem that is animal abuse. And though Dr. Rudiger is humbled, she makes sure to remind everyone of all the other animals out there that are being overlooked. "I appreciate the exposure," Rudiger told CNN. "But I hope the message is long-lasting that animal cruelty is real, and this is just one guy that experienced it." As harsh as it sounds, CNN ran the headline "Would You Care About This Kitten If He Weren't Purple?"
As the days go by, more and more animals are becoming victims of abuse. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) urges people to speak up if they know anyone who might be abusing animals. "The best thing you can do is report your suspicions of cruelty to your local law enforcement agency, humane organization, animal control agency or taxpayer-funded animal shelter," the ASPCA advises.
Please, remember that animals are just like children. They depend on their owners; to them, their owners are their world. Please don't break that trust.
