User:Karren10/sandbox

History
On March 14, 2014, Oshawa Animal Services were called to pick up an injured cat that was found in the Thornton Road and Champlain Avenue area of Oshawa, Ontario, in a horrific case of animal abuse. Workers took the cat to the Humane Society of Durham Region. Investigators were unsure if the male cat was a stray or was lost due to the good condition of his body and in the interim, they retained custody of the cat. After an initial medical assessment, it was determined that the cat had a severely fractured right front leg. Veterinarians were shocked to see the cat’s body pierced with 16 pellets when examining the x-rays. The pellets were very clearly lodged throughout the cat’s body. Society workers gave him the name Matty. Despite his injuries, Matty was in stable condition. Matty won over the veterinarians and everyone who had come in contact with him, purring and showing no signs of aggression despite not yet being given any pain medication. Society workers concluded that the severe break was caused by a BB, from fairly close range and was not an old injury. It is believed that a shattered pellet is what caused the break; a break so bad Matty’s leg might have had to be amputated from this attack. Matty was transferred to the Toronto Humane Society where the surgery was performed to attempt to repair his leg. The pellets were left in his body since removing them could potentially cause Matty more harm. In a press release made by Barbara Steinhoff, Durham Humane Society Executive Director, she stated that, “The 16 pellets are sitting just under the skin. They haven’t penetrated any organs and most of the pellets will be left where they are. ” It was determined that it was best for Matty to leave the pellets as there was no potential long-term harm. Veterinarians were able to repair the damage done to Matty’s leg and staffs at both humane societies were thrilled with his results. SPCA officers were following up on tips in their search for the person or people responsible for firing 16 pellets into Matty. Under the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, if the responsible person is charged, he/she would face fines of up $60,000 and up to two years in jail, in addition to a lifetime ban of owning an animal. Investigators also stated that there could also be pending charges under the Criminal Code of Canada.

Matty Today
Matty made a full recovery from his vicious attack. Via the Humane Society of Durham’s Facebook page and his own Facebook page, Matty was placed for adoption on June 20, 2014, and was adopted later that day into his fur-ever home with my family. Matty is an extremely friendly and loving cat who loves to lie on your lap for a cuddle after he has chased the toy squirrel and mouse around the house. Unfortunately, Matty’s attacker(s) have not been caught and brought to justice, but Matty not only survived this vicious attack, he is now healthy, happy and indoors with his new family.