PATERSON — Authorities are investigating a group of Paterson children who allegedly tortured a stray cat near the School 4 playground by smashing him with bricks and rocks, inflicting injuries that led to the cat's death a week later.

The injuries allegedly suffered at the hands of children –– all believed to be under the age of 10 –– were horrific: "Quattro" suffered two fractured legs, a broken eye socket, a fractured jaw, blood and pus dripping from his brain, and claws ripped off from him frantically digging to avoid the blows.

Despite the best efforts of veterinarians, Quattro died on May 15, eight days after he was abused, said Renee Olah, the founder of Hackensack-based Chance at Life, a cat rescue organization that cared for Quattro in his final days.

"He was doing great and all the sudden he took a turn for the worst," Olah said in an interview with NJ.com. Quattro was unable to walk or eat due to his injuries, some of which may have been sustained prior to the abuse on May 7, officials said.

He likely would not have even had the chance to survive if not for the heroic acts of 14-year-old boy, who, according to Passaic County SPCA agent Luis Vasquez, saw the beating, pushed away one of the elementary school students and brought the wounded cat home with him.

The cat stayed with the 14-year-old boy and his mother for two days, until a teacher learned of the incident and had Quattro taken to Chance at Life.

Vasquez, the lead agent, said the investigation into the abuse is "active and current." He declined to say if the juveniles have been identified or how many took part in the abuse, though multiple sources said there were between four-and-six grade schoolers involved.

"It is disturbing to see what this animal went through," Vasquez said, adding that the Paterson Police Department's juvenile bureau is also aiding in the investigation.

If found guilty by a judge, the children who allegedly abused Quattro will at minimum be required to undergo a psychiatric evaluation and attend counseling, according to state law. The court has discretion to dole out further punishment should charges be filed.

Since the news of Quattro's abuse, a petition calling for authorities to investigate the incident has garnered nearly 10,000 signatures from outraged citizens across the country.

"It is of the utmost importance that the injuries perpetrated on this innocent cat be taken seriously," the petition reads. "... This must be taken seriously and justice must be brought against these children (and their parents) who harmed Quattro. It is a known fact that young children who would perpetrate such harm on an innocent animal will not only do it again, but may move onto a human child next."

Olah, who spent $1,000 in veterinary bills and has received donations from as far as California, said she hopes Quattro receives the justice he deserves.

"I can only hope they'll get the help they need so they won't do this kind of violent act to an animal, or other people for that matter," Olah said. "I know they're young, but if they're proven to be guilty I hope they get psychiatric help they very much need."

Vasquez said he was not aware of any other animals who may have been harmed by the juveniles.

A Paterson schools spokeswoman did not immediately return a request for comment left Tuesday afternoon.