SPCA collecting for kitten abused, doped-up in Chesco

Donations are being accepted to cover expenses for the kitten that officials said was choked and shot-up with heroin by a West Chester man last week.

The kitten, renamed Hope, is getting stronger, eating well and flea-free, according to Amy Shields, director of marketing at the HOPE Veterinary Clinic in Malvern.

"His eyes are certainly a lot more clear and brighter today," she said.

James P. Myers was arrested Tuesday on charges of animal cruelty, drug possession, and other offenses. The kitten, which he allegedly doped with heroin, was revived using a drug that reverses the effects of heroin overdoses.

The Chester County SPCA is accepting donations to cover the kitten's expenses at ccspca.org.

Shields said she has been receiving between 25 and 50 calls daily, and others in her office are receiving more, from people all around the world interested in adopting the kitten. But he will not be available until after the criminal case is over, she said.

Until then, he will be in the custody of the SPCA and living with a foster family.

- Tricia L. Nadolny