Reward offered to find culprits in burning of cat in Arlington

A $5,650 reward has been offered for the arrest and conviction of those responsible for torturing a cat by burning her face last month.

Fort Worth officials, who have named the domestic shorthair Blossom, said the cat survived but will need extensive medical care. She has been placed in a foster home.

The reward is funded by The Murrell Foundation and several residents.

“We have received several tips about Blossom’s past, but unfortunately, we have still not identified the perpetrator of this heinous crime,” said Ann Barnes, executive director of the Humane Society of North Texas in Fort Worth, in a weekend news release.

A woman found the burned cat roaming around an apartment complex near AT&T Stadium and Six Flags Over Texas in Arlington on Sept. 25, and called officials. She apparently was a stray.

The cat suffered third-degree burns on her face and ears.

“It is crucial that we locate the individuals who tortured Blossom,” Barnes said. “Individuals who abuse animals often escalate to killing animals. We need help to stop the cycle of violence by arresting and prosecuting these criminals.”

Humane Society officials said they believe Blossom will need another three to four weeks of burn care.

After she heals, Blossom will enter HSNT’s adoption program. The organization is accepting donations towards Blossom’s care at www.hsnt.org or by mail at HSNT, 1840 E. Lancaster Avenue, Fort Worth, Texas 76103.

This story was originally published October 11, 2015 at 1:49 PM with the headline "Reward offered to find culprits in burning of cat in Arlington."