A Lincoln woman was arrested on suspicion of felony animal cruelty after authorities say her severely malnourished cat was found dead near 40th Street and Normal Boulevard.
Lincoln Animal Control said officers were called Sept. 13 after the cat was found in a pet bed beneath a tree. Officers said the animal appeared severely underweight and were able to identify its owner through a microchip.
According to Animal Control, the owner told investigators the cat had been losing weight since April and had not been taken to a veterinarian. She also reportedly told officers she did not have cat food and had been feeding the animal “people” food. Animal Control said officers found no food in the refrigerator that could have been fed to the cat.
Lincoln Police arrested the owner on suspicion of felony animal cruelty. The cat was sent for a necropsy, which Animal Control said confirmed the animal was severely malnourished. Authorities did not identify the owner in the information released Tuesday.
Animal Control is using the case to remind residents that assistance is available for people struggling to afford food for their pets. Pet food pantries operate throughout Lincoln, and residents who need assistance can contact Lincoln Animal Control at 402-441-7900.
Help is also available through the Capital Humane Society’s Stransky Veterinary Center at 402-473-5370 and Lincoln Animal Ambassadors at 402-817-1168.