Update article here.
After being abandoned in Monroe, North Carolina with little food and no water back on June 22, Samson has been found alive! His story was posted here on PoC, as was the arrest of the heartless owner who dumped him.
Cat rescuer Laura Morrison posted the happy news on her Facebook page Wednesday afternoon stating
“HE’S HOME! WE HAVE SAMSON! HE’S ALIVE! CURRENTLY WAITING ON TEST RESULTS. IMPORTANT ALL DONORS SEND IN PLEDGES. HE’S SOMEWHAT LETHARGIC BUT WE HAVE HIM, FOLKS!!!!
Wanted to let everyone know that huge thanks to Rick Dohman, Samson was recovered today! Everyone has been bordering on losing hope, including myself to think that it was completely lost to continue searching, but miracles do happen and we have our boy !!!! I was so excited, as well as countless others who were yelling and jumping up and down.
He’s beautiful!! I’m currently waiting at the animal hospital on tests that were being run, we have had two other emergencies that started at 3:30 AM this morning so I’ve been running all over the place.
We wanted to let everyone know that the District Attorney’s Office spoke with me today and that they are very serious about prosecution and pursuing Felony charges against Samson’s owner…
Depending on the outcome of Sampson’s blood work in medical check up, there may be more charges pending. The District Attorney’s Office told me that it is okay for anyone concerned or involved in animal welfare or just simply want to see justice for Sampson, to let the courts and District Attorney’s Office know that they want to see this case prosecuted. They don’t mind the calls.
They also said that a grand jury is going to be hearing the case and will be more than likely indicting Michelle Ramen August 24. We are encouraging people to come out on that day, but we are being told that her trial will actually be set for another day. We will update as soon as we get all the blood work back, it has been a long day.”
Four traps were set for Samson. The first night was unsuccessful because there was food still around for him to snack on. The area was clear of food and people for the second night, so a very hungry Samson entered a trap. Samson is thinner and very tired after three weeks on his own.
Zach’s Rescue is having the vet run CBC and additional tests on sweet Samson. His vet said the ground has blistered Samson’s feet and he has fleas and some skin tears from lack of shelter.
Since the veterinarian doesn’t take call-in payments, those wishing to help with Samson’s medical expenses are asked to donate to Zach’s Rescue via PayPal at Gkeach@msn.com or you can send donations to their home office at 5322 Lancelot Drive, Charlotte, NC 28270.
Tonight Samson is safe in foster care and requests for adoption are coming in. This boy has a very happy life ahead of him.
Michelle Antionette Raymond, 48, of Monroe was arrested and charged with one count of abandonment of an animal and one count of cruelty to animals and taken to Union County Jail. Her court date is set for August 24 when a grand jury will be hearing the case. People are being encouraged to come out on that date but the trial will likely be set for another date.
Please contact the Union County District Attorney’s Office at 704-698-3110 if you’d like to see Raymond get the maximum penalty allowed under NC law.
Elisa
I just cried my eyes out! Thank God and all those people who were helping with the trapping and getting him to the vet just make me feel a little better knowing that there are still good animal lovers out there. I looked at the picture many times and he looks like the feral cat I named LULU was adopted from us. God I hope not! He looks exactly like LULU but I could be wrong. I’m so glad to know that he’s doing OK for now and people are willing to donate for his care as I will also. God bless you all and kitty don’t give up, be strong!!!
Always a good idea to microchip. Then you will be in the cat’s records even after transfer of guardianship.