Cat locked in carrier, left to drown

TAMPA - Investigators are looking for someone who riddled a cat with pellets, locked it in a carrier and threw it into the bay to drown.

According to Hillsborough County Animal Services, a passerby heard the cat in distress, and found it in the carrier in McKay Bay, the body of water east of South 22nd Street in Tampa.

The cat was taken for emergency medical care, and vets found around 30 wounds that they say looked like gunshots from a small caliber weapon.

The carrier had several markings on it, including 'Kitty Penitentiary," "Jailer Missy","Warden" and the word "Convictions" with several hashmarks next to it.

Investigators are calling it a "dangerous and horrific" case of animal abuse and are asking for the public's help.

"The carrier was filled with water and sand. The cat was shivering and in grave condition," said Pam Perry, with Hillsborough County Animal Services.

Perry said the cat was being treated for its wounds, and any possible infections. If she makes it, arrangement have been made for her to go to a foster home.

"This is no way to treat an animal," Perry said. "We will track down the person that did this."

The Humane Society of Tampa Bay is offering a cash reward for information leading to an arrest in the case. Contact Hillsborough County Animal Services at (813) 744-5660 or email info@hillsboroughcounty.org .