SYRACUSE, NY - A reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of whoever is responsible for torturing a kitten back in July has been increased to $5,000, according to the Animal Alliance of Greater Syracuse.

On July 25, police were called to the 100 block of Schneider Street on Syracuse’s North side and found a kitten that appeared to have been tortured, police said. It was found without front legs -- they appeared to have been cut off - and it had other more recent wounds, police said.

The kitten was treated for its injuries, but had to be euthanized, animal alliance officials said.

The kitten was named “Star”by those who found her, and Animal Alliance President Donna Chambers said they want to find whoever did this to the kitten.

Chambers said mistreating animals is often a warning that other crimes may follow.

"People are horrified by the brutality of this act, and want the perpetrator(s) apprehended and punished to the maximum allowed by law,'' Chambers said.

The reward fund has grown to $5,000, and donations are still being accepted.

The Animal Alliance is asking anyone with information to contact Tara Kalil, the Syracuse Police Department Cruelty Investigator, at 315-442-5336 or tkalil@syracusepolice.org.

AAGS, a non-profit animal welfare advocacy agency, continues to accept reward donations at its website or by check at PO Box 94, Liverpool, NY 13088.

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