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Cat Burned And Stabbed In Possible 'Sacrifice' At Cemetery

UPDATED | June 7, 2016 5:30 PM

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FORT WORTH (CBSDFW.COM) - A cat found stabbed and burned at a Fort Worth cemetery — possibly the subject of a sacrifice or ritual — is clinging to life at an animal hospital but making small strides... Those caring for the animal said he has started to eat, which is a good sign.

Fort Worth police and firefighters discovered the feline on a grave at the historic but brush-covered Harrison Cemetary on Meadowbrook Road in east Fort Worth. A small fire was still smoldering in front of a headstone nearby.

Several items such as a crucifix, peppers, candles, cash, latex gloves and peppers were also found near the cat, affectionately named "Po" by employees at Animal Hospitals Southwest in Fort Worth.

Ben Morris with the animal hospital said Po is in grave condition.

"He's got two stab wounds near his clavicles and is burned all over. The hospital staff say they smelled accelerant on him when he was brought in," said Morris, who admits Po has a long way to go. "It's sad is what it is."

Lying motionless, his fur burned and singed, Po makes just the faintest of sounds -- a sign he wants to survive.

"The injuries are significant, but he is purring and that's a really good sign. It shows he wants to get better," said Morris.

Police say they are checking a water bottle they found for fingerprints and other items for DNA evidence that may lead to whoever set Poe on fire.
"If I could talk to them I would want to know why they did it," Morris said.

Morris said it take some time before Po is healthy enough for someone to adopt him, take him home and care for him as anyone should an innocent, helpless animal.

"There's a lot that's great about the way dogs and cats approach us. For the lack of judgment. They approach us with empathy. And then to see someone treat an animal the exact opposite of that? It's heartbreaking," said Morris.

CBS11 reporter Joel Thomas contributed to this report. 

(©2016 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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