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Published Thursday, June 25, 2009 6:05 AM

Three-legged kitty a happy survivor

Special to The Eagle

Veterinarians on Wednesday successfully amputated the mutilated rear leg of a 12-week-old kitten, a week and a half after a portion of it was apparently twisted off by two 10-year-old boys.

Gwendolyn Inocencio, the manager of client services at Aggieland Animal Health Center & Pet Resort in College Station, said a couple brought the kitten in June 13, saying they had rescued it from two boys who were abusing it in a Hearne trailer park. Inocencio said she did not know the name of the trailer park.

Inocencio said she believed a combination of boredom and an abundance of homeless animals led to the kitten's torture.

"No one can imagine how painful that must have been for her," Inocencio said about the kitten, who has been named Emma by the hospital's staff. "The leg was twisted off below the knee. We're amazed she survived. The doctor said she must have lost a lot of blood with the injury being so close to a main artery."

The animal center is a veterinary rescue program designed to provide medical treatment leading to adoption for animals that might otherwise face euthanasia. It operates on donated time and money.

The program is about $100,000 in debt, Inocencio said, but Emma's operation -- worth about $2,500 -- could not be put off any longer.

"There is a loss on donations but we'll always operate, even if it means the money comes out of our own pockets," she said.

The animal center filed an animal abuse and neglect report with Hearne police last week, but authorities said they had not opened an investigation.

Punishment for animal cruelty can vary, depending on the severity. The crime can range from a misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail and a $4,000 fine to a state jail felony, which can bring two years behind bars.

According to the Humane Society of the United States, animal cruelty is more common in boys than in girls.

Ashley Wesp, executive director of the Brazos Animal Shelter in Bryan, said that abuse of animals by a child is usually an indication of domestic abuse in the child's home. She said animal abuse tendencies should not be taken lightly.

"Serial killers that can be recognized on a national level, almost 100 percent across the board, have started out by killing small animals," she said. "Small animals turn to medium-sized animals, then to larger animals and then finally to humans."

The kitten was taken to the animal center a day before a Miami teenager was arrested on 19 counts of animal cruelty linked to a monthlong killing spree of pet cats.

Inocencio said that despite Emma's traumatic events, she's still a sweet cat in need of a good home.

"She's so docile and so sweet, and there seems to be no behavioral issues," she said, adding that the veterinarian who performed the operation, Barbara Hannes, assured her that Emma was too young to "learn" how to be afraid. "She's just going to be a three-legged, happy, healthy kitty."

Anyone interested in adopting Emma or donating money toward her care should call the Aggieland Animal Health Center & Pet Resort at 764-7387.




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Comments
[comment]
23 comment(s) found!


Posted by: On: Saturday, June 27, 2009 4:29 PM

Comment Title: To: Seriously?
First: Let's define punishment. Punishment is something that causes a person's misbehavior to decrease or cease. Second: I never said the boys were "victims", that's your word. What I did was describe the fact that this kind of behavior is usually an outcome of the way a child's been raised. (Still not calling them victims.) Then I pointed out that BEATING (Heather's word) the boys would most likely be INEFFECTIVE. In fact, it would probably increase the likelihood of the boys being violent again. (Proven multiple times in scientific, sound studies.) Third: People like Heather, and the new psychopath that recently commented about cutting the boys legs off are not interested in punishment or in taking any action that would reduce the chances of the boys being violent. They, like too many other people are simply bloodthirsty for revenge. I stand by my comment that Heather and her new psycho friend's comments are STUPID. Their way of thinking is dangerous to civilized society.
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Posted by: Lisa On: Saturday, June 27, 2009 4:25 PM

Comment Title: Precious Emma
I was reading the news online yesterday and I came across this article. I was so appalled and disgusted by what these two malicious boys had done to this poor, defenseless kitten that I burst into tears. These boys need to be locked up not spanked! I agree with Belle...these kids need to pay for what they did! I want to know what type of punishment they get for this! These boys are future serial killers!
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Posted by: belle On: Saturday, June 27, 2009 11:45 AM

Comment Title: emma
I would give anything to get a hold of those monsters. Who cares about the parents? They don't care about the kids. Probably to busy with their own issues. As for that sweet kitty. Did it ask for it? Do you really think that a spanking would prevent this? Don't you know that this is a sign of a serial killer along with wetting the bed and being a loner? Wake up idiots. These "boys" deserve a harsh punishment and I mean jail time. Not just a fine that their parents are going to have to come up with. I would love to put them in a room with my Siamese who is part Bob Cat and let her tell them what time it is. Strap them to a table and inject them with an unsterilized needle and keep them like that for a few months. Why not? The state pays for it all the time anyway? Why not let them chose which leg they want to have cut off by inumane means without anesthesia? Rot in Hell. I love animals and they only want to be our friends and will love us back regardless of what we look like or how bad of a day we have had.
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Posted by: On: Friday, June 26, 2009 6:19 PM

Comment Title: Seriously? You think these boys are victims?
First of all, you have no reason to call Heather an idiot for her comment. There is absolutely NO evidence that suggests these boys were abused. All we know right now is that they committed a crime. I am so sick and tired of excuse after excuse for kids not having any accountability. It's a shame if they were or are being abused, but that is no excuse to behave like a psychopath. Lots of children are abused, it's a terrible, horrible thing to deal with, however many overcome their home situation turn it around to help others in need. What these animals did is disgusting and I hope the authorities do something to them, it's their fault. Not their parents, not the kitten's, THEIR fault. It's about time for this poor excuse of a generation to realize their are circumstances for their actions.
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Posted by: Willie On: Friday, June 26, 2009 5:57 PM

Comment Title: This is Messed Up
Probably no parent involvement whatsoever. That is some messed up kids doing that to this animal. What a shame!
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Posted by: On: Friday, June 26, 2009 5:36 PM

Comment Title:
Go Kitty!!!
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Posted by: On: Friday, June 26, 2009 3:22 PM

Comment Title:
To Heather the Idiot. Of course consequences are in order. However, it is likely these kids have already been spanked and beaten, their needs (for love, supervision, attention) have been ignored, and they've generally been treated like s@#t. That's how they became the way they are! Beating them more only ingrains this way of thinking/feeling, i.e. it's OK and expected for the more powerful to inflict hurt and pain on those less powerful. The prognosis is grim for these kids ever becoming caring, civilized adults. Beating them will guarantee an even more negative outcome. (You just want to hit them because it would make YOU feel better.)
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Posted by: Angela On: Friday, June 26, 2009 11:04 AM

Comment Title: Disgusted
Heather: you're absolutely right. I don't care what excuse these two despicable children have for doing this, they need to be heavily punished. I can't imagine what goes through someone's head when they abuse a helpless kitten. Animal abuse is a clear cut and proven sign of severe mental problems. I fear there is no counseling that help them. To the family and the members of the vet clinic, thank you so much for your concern and care. Stories like yours shed light on such a disturbing part of our world. You are all heroes. Thank you.
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Posted by: Goaggievets On: Friday, June 26, 2009 8:51 AM

Comment Title: Cost of services
There are many different levels of health care for both humans and animals and certainly Emma's surgery could have been done for less if the clinic had not used excellent ( and expensive) pain control and anesthesia. I am very familiar with this clinic's practices (I use them for my own pets) and they utilize both aggressive pain control and extremely safe anesthesia and their staff are extremely well trained. The cost of care reflects both the products and services utilized. The clinic also used these products, and paid their staff, as they have for countless rescue pets in the past without the thought of recompense. This clinic does not take risks or cut corners for the pets of paying clients or homeless rescues, they all receive the same excellent care and attention and it is my opinion that this level of care is worth the cost.
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Posted by: On: Friday, June 26, 2009 2:08 AM

Comment Title: High cost
Why did it cost $2,500 to cut off part of a leg? That probably took less than 30 minutes. Health care costs are a rip off, both for humans and animals alike.
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Posted by: On: Thursday, June 25, 2009 4:41 PM

Comment Title:
I think if they are so bored maybe they should mow lawns or even work at the vet clinic to pay off the cost of the operation of the poor kitten.
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Posted by: Eisel On: Thursday, June 25, 2009 2:15 PM

Comment Title: I think I have this kitten's litter mate
I recently took in a three legged starving kitty. My friend said she found him in her trailer park. I'm unsure if from the same trailer park. The kitten was half ferrel at first, however after some much needed TLC and nutrition is doing GREAT. He is playfull and lively. The leg missing is the same as that of the one highlighted in the paper. Below the knee, back right. My heart goes out to the state of mind, body, and soul that precedes someone commiting such a heinous act. To all who read this, as much time as we gasp in shock and talk about these boys and their parents.....I hope we spend even half as much time lifting them up in prayer. And as always, above all, God's will be done. Please join me in prayer for the entire situation. Also is there anyone I should contact about this kitty?????
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Posted by: Hilltopper On: Thursday, June 25, 2009 2:03 PM

Comment Title: Investigation Needed
Maybe there should be an investigation into the boys' home life. Talk to the boys' teachers, neighbors, and family and see if this is "normal" behavior for them. There should also be MANDATORY counseling for the boys and their families!! This is just the beginning to a bad future if there is no intervention.
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Posted by: Andy in Bryan On: Thursday, June 25, 2009 12:50 PM

Comment Title: The penalty for animal cruelty can be...
...a misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail and a $4,000 fine to a state jail felony, which can bring two years behind bars. That is only if I don't catch you at it, in which case it becomes a capital crime, and I don't care who you are or what animal we are referring to. There will be zero chance of you growing up to be a serial anything.
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Posted by: Dr Barbara Hannes On: Thursday, June 25, 2009 12:03 PM

Comment Title: Update on Emma
First of all, Emma is doing fabulous after her surgery yesterday. She is bright and alert and trying to play with her ball. We are very appreciative of all the calls of concern and support from the community. We also appreciate the efforts of the press, however, there was a misprint and the cost of her care is $2,500, not $25,000. We will post pictures of Emma on our website within the next day. www.aggielandahc.com
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Posted by: On: Thursday, June 25, 2009 11:24 AM

Comment Title: Is this correct
I am saddened that this investigation has not been opened, these children need to realize what they did is NOT ok. I also believe all our local non profits need funds and we should support them, but $25,000 to remove a leg? Is this a misprint? My husband and I found a dog 2 years ago, his front left leg had to be removed. When all was said and done our bill was $575.00.
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Posted by: On: Thursday, June 25, 2009 11:08 AM

Comment Title:
Just where were the parents of these boys?!!! The boys AND their parents need to be punished legally for abuse. There is no excuse for such abusive behavior.
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Posted by: On: Thursday, June 25, 2009 10:41 AM

Comment Title: Go Heather!
Heather, I like your style. However, people who harm other living things for pleasure enjoy the cries of pain. The people are sociopaths, and require monitoring. If these kids aren't identified and helped, there will be more pain inflicted, and for generations to come.
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Posted by: Heather On: Thursday, June 25, 2009 10:14 AM

Comment Title:
How does one teach these kids that what that did was wrong? If the poor little kitten's cries didn't tear their hearts out and make them stop, what could? I think this evil needs to be BEATEN out of these kids--rip their legs off so they know how it feels. And then throw them in jail for the rest of their miserable lives. There is no excuse, and no way to teach basic morality if there is none. And their parents should be spayed and neutered, and then locked away. They must be as evil.
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Posted by: Won't stop in Hearne On: Thursday, June 25, 2009 10:11 AM

Comment Title: Stop the violence
Asley Wesp's comments are based on well-documented research. Children who abuse animals later abuse people. This is a horrendous crime, and who knows how many other animals in Hearne are being treated the same way, but are not being seen or reported. Thank you to the couple who took the kitten away and got it help. We need to demand that these children be found and dealt with before they become the next generation of criminals in Hearne. If the City fails to act on this, they deserve their reputation as "The City of Hurt." I heard that nickname from a police officer's child.
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Posted by: Karin King On: Thursday, June 25, 2009 10:01 AM

Comment Title: Three Legged Kitten
This is a very distressing story. I hope that the staff of The Eagle will follow up with the Hearne Police and report back as to whether or not charges are filed in this case. I suggest that those responsible for this atrocity be liable for the cost of the care of this tiny victim.
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Posted by: robin On: Thursday, June 25, 2009 8:05 AM

Comment Title: How cruel!
That is a very sad article! Those boys need to be punished ... I hope their parents are aware of this as they have a lot to be scared about on the future of how these boys will turn out when they grow up!!!! They apparently don't have any respect for life. Thanks to the clinic for saving the kittens life!
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Posted by: Mike Southerland On: Thursday, June 25, 2009 7:31 AM

Comment Title: A wonderful group of people
I take my dog to the clinic because they are very understanding, caring and always concerned about his well being. They are an outstanding business in our community and this story proves that fact.
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