Video: SPCA dog raid in West PhillyThe news that a cat was found body-wrapped in duct tape spurred an outpouring of public support to the Pennsylvania SPCA yesterday.
The calls and emails brought clues about the culprit, claims of ownership, financial contributions, and offers of adoption, said spokeswoman Liz Williamson this morning.
Thanks to donations, the reward has been doubled to $2,000 for information leading to a conviction, she said.
Yesterday, dozens of tips were called into the animal cruelty hotline - 866-601-7722.
"There were a few leads that came through that were credible and substantial, and the humane officers were chasing those down yesterday," she said.
A resident of the 2200 block of Edgley Street in North Philadelphia found the cat Tuesday afternoon.
The perpetrator could face 90 days in jail, and a fine up to $750 - unless the case is a repeat offense or is deemed to qualify as "torture," Williamson said.
In that case, the offender could get a year in jail and a fine up to $2,500.
No arrest is imminent, though, Williamson added.
Several people phoned yesterday claiming to be the owner of "Sticky," as workers at the North Philadelphia shelter nicknamed her.
Meetings will be set up soon to check out records and photographs that could verify someone's claim, she said.
The shelter also received about $2,000 in donations in honor of Sticky, Williamson said.
Many other people called or emailed offering to adopt the cat, if the owner can't be found.
But plenty of other pets - including some mistreated more than Sticky - are at the PSPCA hoping for a home, Williamson said.
To get started choosing, stop by a shelter or go to www.petfinder.com, she said.
The PSPCA's 14 humane law enforcement officers, who have the power to execute warrants and make arrests, handle more than 6,000 animal-cruelty cases a year, Williamson said.
Meanwhile, Sticky seems to have weathered her ordeal nicely.
"She is continuing to do extremely well," Williamson said. "She is getting a lot of love from everyone here."
Contact staff writer Peter Mucha at 215-854-4342 or pmucha@phillynews.com.
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