An animal rights group is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of suspects who severely injured a cat by strapping firecrackers around its paw and setting them off.

The cat — a gray 3-year-old female tabby that was named Pickles by staff at Humane Animal Rescue — was found July 13 by two people along Highland Avenue in McKees Rocks. The incident is believed to have occurred on the Fourth of July.

The reward is being offered by the organization People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.

Veterinarians who examined the cat said firecrackers were attached to the cat’s front left paw with rubber bands and ignited.

The paw had to be amputated after the wound became infected and infested with maggots, according to animal rescue officials.

“There wasn’t really any paw left,” said Jamie Wilson, Humane Animal Rescue’s medical director. “What was still there was barely hanging on by the rubber bands. Her bone was exposed, and she was severely dehydrated.”

Once she recovers, Pickles will be put up for adoption.

A PETA spokeswoman said the incident is a reminder about the importance of protecting animals.

“Cases like this are why PETA urges animal guardians to keep cats safe indoors,” said Colleen O’Brien, the organization’s vice president. “There’s at least one dangerous person at large, and it’s urgent that anyone with information about this violent crime speak up before someone else gets hurt.”

Anyone with information about the case can contact Humane Animal Rescue at 412-345-7300, Ext. 245, or file a report online.

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