Calico Kitten Found Battered And Left In Trash Needs New Home

LAWNDALE , CA — Battered, broken and left for dead in a trash bin, a spunky little Calico cat is up for adoption today, and her former owner is facing charges of animal cruelty.

Bow was just 11-months-old when she was found in a trash bin suffering from two broken legs. Vets examined her and found signs of older injuries including fractures, a dislocated right hip, bruising of her lung, broken teeth and as tears and abrasions to her ears, according to the spcaLA.

Investigators linked Lawndale resident Darion K. Hackett, 29, to the Calico kitten through the feline's microchip and questioned him about the circumstances surrounding the cat's current and previous injuries after she was rescued last Oct. 18, according to a statement from the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles.

Hackett was arrested but quickly released own recognizance, jail records show. He is is set to be arraigned July 22 at the Torrance courthouse on two felony counts of animal cruelty and two misdemeanor counts of failure to care for an animal. He could face up to four years and eight months in jail if convicted as charged, according to the spcaLA.

Bow underwent surgey to repair her hind legs and has been living with a foster family ever since.

"She's been in foster care by the lat five onths, and, by all accounts she is a sweet, affectionate cat," said Ana Bustilloz, spcaLA spokeswoman.

Bow is now recovered enough for adoption, and shelter officials are optimistic she'll find the loving home she deserves.

Anyone interested in adopting Bow are other pets in need, can reach the spcaLA at (323) 730-5300 or 1-888-spcaLA1. Los Angeles pet lovers can also check out available animals here.

City News Service contributed to this report.