Folly Beach pet owners warned after possible animal cruelty incident

FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (WCBD) – Pet Helpers is warning Folly Beach residents after a man returned home to find his cat with a laceration and shaving mark on its back.  

Paul Tillman says he was away preparing for a memorial for his father, who recently passed away, when he came home to West Hudson Avenue to see his tabby cat, Skittles, with the markings a distinctive zigzagged pattern shaved.

Tillman took Skittles to a local veterinarian, where the tabby received stitches and a drain for its wounds. After getting Skittles care, Tillman filed a report with Folly Beach Police and posted in a local Facebook group warning neighbors of 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 Skittles condition. You are asked to contact Folly Beach PD directly at 843-588-7003. Tillman says the incident occurred last Thursday, June 13, between 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

“This incident is deeply troubling. Our pets are beloved members of our families, and such acts 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.