Kittens found covered in oil, grease

Two kittens covered in oil and grease, currently being cared for by the MSPCA-Boston, may be the latest victims in an animal cruelty trend. Grease and Monkey arrived at the MSPCA from Mattapan just days before the summertime period when MSPCA officials are predicting a rise in allegations of animal cruelty.

In the case of Grease and Monkey, the MSPCA’s Law Enforcement department is requesting that any witnesses come forward to help determine if their injuries were intentionally caused or may have been an accident. The kittens are currently receiving daily baths to slowly remove the possibly toxic material as they shed patches of fur.

The MSPCA’s eight Law Enforcement officers annually investigate an average of 3,000 allegations of animal cruelty throughout Massachusetts; from Berkshire County to the islands of Cape Cod. The MSPCA’s Law Enforcement officers respond to an average of 240 allegations of animal cruelty throughout Massachusetts each month however that number rises to roughly 320 allegations of animal cruelty during July as well as August.

Several factors that contribute to animal cruelty during the summer include:

General neglect by pet owners during warm temperatures which can lead to heat stroke and heat stress in pets
The lack of food and water for pets due to increased consumption, evaporation and spoiling
Flies and maggots multiplying on dead tissue
Fungal growth on pets with wet or damp fur
Pet abandonment due to a misconception of increased odds of a pet’s survival due to warmer outdoor temperatures

Lack of proper protection from the scorching sun provided to an animal by his or her owner felony in Massachusetts punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $2,500. In many cases the MSPCA’s Law Enforcement officers work with the public to educate them regarding proper pet care before seeking animal cruelty charges. The MSPCA reminds pet owners to contact its Law Enforcement department before their pet’s care escalates to animal cruelty.

To contact the MSPCA’s Law Enforcement department throughout Massachusetts please call (617) 522-6008 or (800) 628-5808.