NEW BRITAIN--Police in New Britain are investigating a heinous act of animal cruelty after getting reports that a cat set on fire.
Hanna Marotta found the cat dead on Bingham Street, in the middle of the roadway, Thursday afternoon.
Two-thirds of the carcass was charred. Scorched spots in the asphalt suggest the cat was on fire where it was found.
Sylvia Marotta said the cat was a very friendly stray in the neighborhood which she called Murphy.
"The cat's face was contorted as if it was in a lot of pain as well," Marotta said.
When asked what should happen to the person responsible, Hanna Marotta said, "They should get the same punishment like the cat, was burned, they should get the same thing, I think eye for eye."
New Britain Police said they sent the cat to the Connecticut Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Lab for testing, and also sent evidence over to the State Crime Lab.
Police said there have been no other cases like this in the city.