Animal shelter caring for cat scalded by boiling water

CHICAGO (WLS) -- A Rogers Park animal shelter is stepping in to care for a cat who was doused with boiling water in a video posted on social media.

An 18-year-old man faces animal cruelty charges after the video was posted online of him allegedly pouring the scalding water onto the cat, police said.

Leon Teague, of Chicago, was arrested after officials said he was identified in a Facebook video showing him luring a cat onto a rear porch and pouring boiling water on the animal.

The Felines & Canines animal shelter says the cat, named Driver, was picked up from animal control and is receiving veterinary care.

The shelter says Driver has extensive burn wounds to his back, sides, belly, chest and legs and is currently hospitalized on heavy doses of antibiotics, pain management medication and IV fluids. Driver's injuries are being thoroughly cleaned to ward off infection and increase skin regrowth, the shelter's Facebook page says. Later, Driver will receive laser therapy.

For anyone wishing to help support Driver's medical care, you can do so by clicking here and designating your donation to Driver's Fund: https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/FelinesAndCanines

"Sometimes we need someone as evil as Leon Teague to show how swiftly and fiercely thousands of us can ban together to fight for the innocent," Felines & Canines wrote on its Facebook page.