Arrest in duct-taped cat case

A suspect has been arrested for duct-taping and abandoning a cat in the backyard of a home in the 2200 block of Edgley Street in North Philadelphia earlier this month.

The arrest was made by an enforcement officer for the Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The cat was found Sept. 22.

The PSPCA offered a reward of $2,000 for the conviction of whoever did the deed to the female cat, nicknamed "Sticky" by workers at the society. Only the cat's head was uncovered; she had to be sedated while the tape was cut off.

Liz Williamson, a spokeswoman for the society, said tonight that the society will be announcing details Monday morning, and at this point, she could only say that she believed the arrest had come from following up on a lead that was among the dozens called in after the reward was offered.

CBS3 reported on its website that a "19-year-old individual" had been charged.

The perpetrator could face 90 days in jail, and a fine up to $750 - unless the case is a repeat offense or is deemed to qualify as "torture," Williamson said.

In that case, the offender could get a year in jail and a fine up to $2,500.

The $2,000 reward was offered through donations.

As for Sticky, "she's doing fine," Williamson said.

Contact staff writer Dan Hardy at 610-313-8134 or at dhardy@phillynews.com.