Cat survives being set on fire in Kent County

KENT COUNTY, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) - On July 3^rd, on Turner Avenue NW between Ann and Leonard Streets, someone doused a cat named Hadley with gas and set it on fire.

Despite suffering extensive burns, Hadley is still alive. Hadley's owners found him just in time and got him to the Humane Society in Walker.

On Wednesday, Newschannel 3 went to the Humane Society to meet Hadley and to find out what is being done to catch those who did this to him.

They're calling it one of they worst cases of animal cruelty that they've even seen. After being set ablaze, Hadley is fighting for his life.

"I've been in this business for twelve years now and seen a lot of things, and I looked at that cat and started crying, I just don't understand how somebody could mistreat an animal in this way," said Karen Terpstra of the Humane Society of Kent Co.

Hadley's ear whiskers and eyelashes were burnt, but it is the view of his back that is almost too much to bear for some who have seen him, and it's what makes them all angry.

"I share their anger, it's something we need to educate people about, and what we need to prevent, be concerned about. If someone's hurting animals, chances are really good they will hurt or already hurting humans," said Terpstra.

Hadley suffered third degree burns on a third of his body and is now undergoing very careful treatments just to survive. It is believed that someone poured gasoline on Hadley and threw a match at him.

"From the pattern of the burn it looks like an accelerant was poured on that cat and the cat was lit on fire," said Terpstra.

Hadley actually came home after being burned, and his owners brought him into the Humane Society. Hadley's owners couldn't afford his care, so the Humane Society took over.

"His family seemed very loving towards him, they were heartbroken about what happened and wanted to make sure he got some help," said Terpstra.

Just like humans, cats are likely to survive the initial burn, but the infection that can follow often proves to be too much.

When Newschannel 3 visited on Wednesday, Hadley was purring just moments after a procedure on the operating table, and the folks at the Humane Society say they are doing everything they can to help him, hoping that Hadley will be able to pull through his ordeal.

"He's got a good appetite and a great attitude so we're hoping he pulls through," said Terpstra.

A reward is being offered for information leading to those who did this to Hadley, and the Humane Society says that Hadley's recovery process could take months and a significant amount of money.

Anyone interested in helping the Humane Society help Hadley can get in touch with them at 616-791-8222, or by visiting their website at www.hskc.org.