ASPCA Offers $2,500 Reward for Information Leading to Arrest in Case of Cat Found Sealed in Bucket

December 27, 2018

cat in a bucket

Earlier this year, a cat named Sage was found in a sealed bucket with only a small hole in the top. Recently, a second cat was found in the same manner. Photo courtesy of Animal Haven.

After a cat was found abandoned in a sealed bucket two weeks ago, the ASPCA is now offering a $2,500 reward for any information leading to an arrest. 

a sealed bucket that a cat was found in

The second sealed bucket was left on a corner in Manhattan's SoHo neighborhood. Photo courtesy of Animal Haven.

According to the New York City Police Department (NYPD), which is leading the investigation, the black cat was discovered on Thursday, December 13, around 7:45 P.M. in a sealed bucket on the corner of Hester Street and Centre Street near Animal Haven animal shelter in New York City’s SoHo neighborhood. The bucket was sealed tightly with no chance for the cat to escape. Since being found, the resilient feline, now named Charlie, recieved initial medical treatment at the ASPCA Animal Hospital and is now being cared for at Animal Haven, where they will work to get him ready for adoption. Sadly, this case follows a similar incident occurring in November of this year. 

animal cruelty suspect

The NYPD is asking for the public's assistance in identifying the individual depicted in the above and below photos in connection to this case. The individual is described as a male, Asian; last seen wearing a sweater, jeans and dark colored shoes.

suspect carrying a sealed bucket with a cat in it

Photo courtesy of Animal Haven.

"These cats were discarded on a city curb as if they were garbage. Such callous disregard for a living creature is unconscionable and should not be tolerated in New York City, or anywhere,” says Howard Lawrence, Vice President of ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement. “We ask anyone with knowledge of these incidents to please come forward and provide information to the NYPD.” 

a cat rescued from one of the sealed buckets

Charlie, seen above, is now recovering at the ASPCA Animal Hospital. Photo courtesy of Animal Haven.

Anyone with information regarding these incidents is asked to contact the NYPD Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-577-TIPS or going online to submit a tip to the Crime Stoppers’ website. NYPD Crime Stoppers accepts anonymous tips.

The ASPCA continues to encourage the New York City public to be vigilant when it comes to reporting suspected animal abuse and to contact 311 to report animal cruelty or neglect, or 911 if they see a crime in progress. Together, we can protect more animals in need and prevent more tragedies from occurring.