See a Purpled Pawed Stray Cat in Michigan? Help it Immediately!

Whether or not you're a 'cat person', the possible reason for any feline's paws may be painted, is truly disgusting. Should you come across this situation, scoop up the stray and take it to a shelter immediately! You could be saving it from a vicious death.

Why Would a Stray, or Wandering Domesticated Cat, Be Marked Purple?

A Naples, Florida animal shelter took to social media after the intake of a stray whose paws, and forehead, appeared to have been intentionally marked with purple paint. After consulting with local authorities, they issued the following warning:

Dogfighters use markers to color the white parts of cats and kittens so they can bet on which color will die first,” Sorbara, the founder of Naples Cat Alliance in Florida, wrote on Facebook. “They are ‘color coded’ and then thrown to packs of dogs, while these sick barbarians place their bets. This is cruelty at its worst.

Related: Illegal Pets a Deadly Threat to Michigan's Agriculture and Residents

The possibility that an innocent creature could be used in the barbaric practice of dog fighting is sickening. But how did the Naples Cat Alliance come to the conclusion that the markings were from a dog fighting ring? Was it an accurate conclusion or an assumption made based on limited information? Snopes.com, a website known for debunking false internet stories, tackled the topic and could not disprove or directly prove the claim.

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Dogfighting Still a Dangerous Activity in Michigan

Despite the public outrage generated by the cruel illegal activity, dog-fighting rings in Michigan still exist. Should you suspect any type of animal cruelty, be sure to report it immediately to the police and let the authorities confront any suspected abuse. There are very serious consequences for hurting animals in the State of Michigan.

Related: What is Phrogging and Why Michigan Needs to Know

If you are looking to help animals in your area, contact the Michigan Humane Society for ways you can get involved.