Finally! Justice for Katniss, the Kitten Who Died After Being Brutally Abused

Hearing stories like this one never fails to break our hearts. Katniss the kitten was the innocent victim of unheard of animal cruelty. Katniss was only 8-weeks old when she was subjected to extreme physical abuse and deliberately set on fire. After this horrible experience, Katniss was discovered and immediately brought to Animal Aid, in Athens, Tennessee, for round the clock care by veterinarian Todd Dolen and his staff. Dolen took Katniss home with him to give her the undivided care she needed to treat her burns and other injuries.

She was given the name “Katniss” because she showed such incredible strength and resilience after withstanding so much pain. The small kitten had to have her back leg and ear tips amputated due to the extent of the burns and other injuries, but she kept on fighting. Katniss’ caretakers launched a Facebook page, “Justice for Katniss,” to raise funds for the kitten’s care and to inquire after any clues or leads that would lead local authorities to find her abuser.

While the little kitten did improve a bit thanks to the devotion of Dolen and her other caretakers, Katniss passed away after two-weeks from complications with her condition. In the short time she was alive, Katniss touched the lives of thousands of people who learned of her story through “Justice for Katniss.” Although it is no consolation for the life of this kitten, authorities have made an arrest and charged suspect, Gary A. Westfield, with the abuse of Katniss.

The Cleveland police department offered a reward of $1,000 for anyone who could provide information that lead to an arrest. The individual who helped the police to locate Westfield and tie him to Katniss’ abuse remains anonymous. Animal abuse, like that which Katniss was subjected to, happens every day, and far too often the offenders are never brought to justice. Animal cruelty is a felony in all 50 states, but unless it is documented and reported, these charges can’t be acted upon. It is the moral duty of anyone who witnesses the abuse of an animal to report to the police. Only through action can we spread the much needed message that animal cruelty will NOT be tolerated.

According to a report from Life With Cats, “Westfield has a long record of previous charges and convictions. Records show Westfield has convictions on aggravated burglary, theft under $500 and over $1,000, resisting arrest, assault, and being a fugitive from justice. He was jailed with bond set at $5,000.”

Westfield has been charged with Aggravated Animal Abuse, which is a Class E felony charge. The potential penalties from this charge include no less than one year and no more than six years in jail, in addition to a fine that cannot exceed $3,000. His official sentence has yet to be decided.

The best way to get true justice for Katniss is to spread the word about animal abuse and encourage others to report abuse if they suspect it. You can find a list of animal abuse hotlines here. Animals cannot speak, so it is our duty to do so for them.

Lead image source: Justice for Katniss/Facebook