The death of a Chelsea family’s pet cat is among several recent animal cruelty cases being investigated by the Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV), according to the organization.
The case involves Bucky, a missing cat whose owner says was found in a neighbor’s burn pit after suffering severe injuries, including burns and fractures to both front legs.
According to HSHV, investigators are examining whether Bucky was caught in a steel-jawed leghold trap that had allegedly been set on the neighboring property to capture wildlife.
A necropsy was unable to determine whether the cat was alive before being burned, HSHV said. Investigators concluded, however, that the animal suffered significant injuries after becoming caught in the trap.
The Chelsea case is one of several recent animal cruelty investigations handled by HSHV’s Animal Cruelty Investigations team.
According to the organization, those cases include charges against a man accused of setting a woodchuck on fire, an investigation into a raccoon that died after being left in a live trap, and the rescue of five opossum babies after their mother was shot and later died from her injuries.
Steel-jawed leghold traps are legal in many areas and are designed to restrain animals by a limb. Animal welfare organizations have criticized the traps, saying they can cause serious injuries. Supporters of the devices maintain they can be used as an effective wildlife management tool when operated legally and according to regulations.
Tanya Hilgendorf, chief executive officer of the Humane Society of Huron Valley, said the organization is seeking accountability in the Chelsea case and hopes to increase public awareness about wildlife control methods and their potential effects on pets.
Featured photo: Photo of Bucky from his family. Courtesy of HSHV
114 North Main St Suite 10 Chelsea, MI 48118
