Cat with firecrackers strapped to paw has leg amputated

This photo provided by Humane Animal Rescue on July 16, 2019, shows a cat being treated at the Humane Animal Rescue in Pittsburgh. The animal rescue group says someone strapped firecrackers to the cat’s front left paw with rubber bands and set them off, causing such severe injuries the animal’s leg had to be amputated. The cat, who staffers have named Pickles, is on the mend and will be up for adoption soon. (Zac Seymour/Humane Animal Rescue via AP)

Posted: Jul 17, 2019 / 04:24 PM EDT

Updated: Jul 17, 2019 / 04:24 PM EDT

PITTSBURGH (AP) — An animal rescue group in Pittsburgh says someone strapped firecrackers to a cat’s front left paw with rubber bands and set them off, causing such severe injuries the animal’s leg had to be amputated.

Humane Animal Rescue says on its Facebook page that two good Samaritans brought the cat in over the weekend after finding it limping around on the mangled and bloody leg.

Based on how the wound had begun healing, officials at the rescue say the injury likely happened on the Fourth of July.

Jamie Wilson, a director at the rescue, says there was barely any paw left and veterinarians determined the best course of action would be to remove the damaged leg.

The cat, who staffers have named Pickles, is on the mend and will be up for adoption soon.