The ASPCA is offering a $2,500 reward for information leading to an arrest in the case of a deceased cat discovered inside a cooler with a rope tied around its neck on September 2 in Lee County, Florida.

The female gray-and-white tabby was found by a resident on the side of the road on Elva Avenue in Lehigh Acres, according to Lee County Domestic Animal Services, which is leading the investigation. The cat appears to have been strangled.

“This is a truly sickening case of animal cruelty, and the heartlessness demonstrated by those responsible is shocking,” said Stacy Wolf, senior vice president of the ASPCA’s Anti-Cruelty Group. “While our ultimate hope is that this type of heinous act never occurs, this is a message that cruelty to animals will not be tolerated in our society. We thank Lee County Domestic Animal Services for its commitment to finding justice for this animal.”

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Lee County Domestic Animal Services by calling 239-533-7387, ext. 2 or Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS. Lee County Domestic Animal Services accepts anonymous information.

Please be vigilant in your community and report suspected abuse. Visit our Fight Cruelty page to learn which agencies are responsible for investigating and enforcing anti-cruelty laws in your area.