

The Canadian Press





TORONTO - A $1,000 reward is being offered for anyone with information leading to the conviction of the killer of a cat in Toronto.

An adult grey tabby was found dead on July 24 in the city's west end.

The Humane Society of Canada says the reward will go to anyone who gives police information that leads to finding whoever is responsible.

Police say the male cat was dumped in a park trash bin after apparently being tortured.

They say the animal had its four legs bound and was covered in bruises.

The cat was also blindfolded and spray-painted purple.

Animal cruelty is a criminal offence with a maximum sentence of five years in prison.

Other possible penalties include a fine or an 18-month jail term, in addition to a lifetime animal ownership ban.

"The person who needlessly killed this poor animal needs to be brought to justice and punished to the fullest extent of the law," Al Hickey, a director with the society, said in a news release.

Those who hurt animals are also likely to harm humans, the society said.