ASPCA Offers $2,500 Reward for Information Leading to Arrest in Case of Cat Found Sealed in Bucket

NEW YORK – The ASPCA^® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals^®) today announced that it will offer a $2,500 reward for any information leading to an arrest in the case of a black cat found abandoned in a sealed bucket near Animal Haven animal shelter on Thursday, December 13.

According to the New York City Police Department (NYPD), which is leading the investigation, the cat was discovered around 7:45 p.m. in a sealed bucket on the corner of Hester Street and Centre Street in the city’s SoHo neighborhood. The bucket was sealed tightly with no chance for the cat to escape. The cat is currently receiving medical attention at the ASPCA Animal Hospital. This case follows a similar incident occurring in November of this year.

"These cats were discarded on a city curb as if they were garbage. Such callous disregard for a living creature is unconscionable and should not be tolerated in New York City, or anywhere,” says Howard Lawrence, vice president of ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement. “We ask anyone with knowledge of these incidents to please come forward and provide information to the NYPD.”

Anyone with information regarding these incidents is asked to contact NYPD Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-577-TIPS or going online to submit a tip to Crime Stoppers’ website. NYPD Crime Stoppers accepts anonymous tips.

The ASPCA encourages the New York City public to be vigilant when it comes to reporting suspected animal abuse and to contact 311 to report animal cruelty or neglect or 911 if they see a crime in progress.