Burned Kitten Fights For His Life As Authorities Continue To Search For Suspect

By Syma Chowdhry

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- It has been nearly a month since a 5-week-old kitten was set on fire and left to die in Kensington.

The kitten, now named Justin, was found near McPherson Square Park with burns across his entire body.

Kelly Vanasse is a volunteer with Animal Alliance of New Jersey. She has taken Justin in as her foster pet, caring for him on a round-the-clock basis.

"This was a heinous act of cruelty, there are really no words," Vanessa said. "It's hard to imagine someone could intentionally inflict this brutal pain."

She said Justin may be a tiny kitten but he is a fighter. "Justin is doing remarkably well considering what he went through," she added, "He gets a little better everyday."

The kitten is being treated by doctors at Crown Veterinary Specialists in Lebanon, N.J. The nonprofit Animal Alliance of New Jersey is trying to raise funds to help cover Justin's care.

Justin is undergoing physical therapy and motion exercises to keep his burned skin flexible. Otherwise, the injuries could impair the proper mobility of his limbs.

Many people have expressed interest in adopting Justin, but he is not ready to be taken home yet due to the extent of his injuries.

But Animal Alliance officials say there are many more animals in their care and in other nearby shelters that are looking for homes.

"Pets are dying in shelters, and there are ways that people can make difference," Vanasse said.

The Humane Society of the United States is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest. If you have any information, please call 1-866-601-SPCA.

For more information, visit: pspca.org or www.animalalliancenj.org