Folly Beach pet owners warned after possible animal cruelty incident

FOLLY BEACH, SC (WCBD) – Pet Helpers is warning Folly Beach residents after a man came home to find his cat with a cut and a shaving mark on his back.

Paul Tillman says he was out preparing for a memorial service for his recently deceased father when he returned home to West Hudson Avenue and found his tabby cat, Skittles, whose markings featured a distinctive shaved zigzag pattern.

Tillman took Skittles to a local veterinarian, where the tabby cat received stitches and drainage for her wounds. After Skittles was cared for, Tillman filed a report with Folly Beach police and posted in a local Facebook group to alert neighbors to the situation.

A local animal welfare organization, Pet Helpers, is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the discovery and arrest of the person responsible for Skittle’s condition. They are asked to contact Folly Beach PD directly at 843-588-7003. Tillman says the incident occurred last Thursday, June 13, between 7:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

“This incident is deeply disturbing. Our pets are beloved family members and acts like this will not be tolerated in our community. The person(s) responsible will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” said Carol Linville, founder and president of Pet Helpers.