San Diego Humane Society Sought Leads on Abused Kitten
A three-month-old kitten was found in the Stockton neighborhood in September with a zip tie around his mouth.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Cats
The San Diego Humane Society investigated a case of animal cruelty after a three-month-old kitten named Derry was discovered in the Stockton neighborhood on September 23, 2026, with a zip tie constricted around his mouth and neck. The organization recently requested public assistance to identify the individual responsible for the injury.
Why it matters
The case highlights local animal welfare efforts and the importance of community vigilance in reporting incidents of abuse. Officials hope that public tips will provide necessary information regarding how the animal was harmed.
The three-month-old male kitten required surgical repair for a mouth laceration on September 28. Members of the public with information can contact investigators at 619-299-7012.
The players
San Diego Humane Society
This organization works to protect animals and investigate cases of suspected cruelty within the San Diego region.
Derry
Derry is a three-month-old male kitten who was the subject of an animal cruelty investigation.
The details
After the kitten wandered into a residence in the 33rd Street area seeking food, a resident contained him for rescue. He was transported to VEG ER for Pets in Mission Valley before receiving further medical care and surgery at the Center for Shelter Medicine.
Timeline
September 23, 2026: The kitten was found with a zip tie in the Stockton neighborhood.
September 28, 2026: Veterinarians performed surgery to repair a mouth cut and neuter the kitten.
October 6, 2026: A member of the Humane Law Enforcement team adopted Derry.
October 8, 2026: The San Diego Humane Society officially requested public assistance.
Culture Shift
This incident follows the procedural pattern set by the San Diego Humane Society's established cruelty investigation protocols when managing local abuse cases. It reflects a growing societal emphasis on protecting vulnerable animals from intentional harm.
Residents of the Stockton and Mission Valley areas are encouraged to report any relevant information regarding this incident to assist in the ongoing investigation. The adoption of the kitten by a staff member illustrates the society's active role in providing homes for rescued animals.
The takeaway
Animal welfare organizations rely heavily on community tips to hold perpetrators accountable in cases of domestic animal cruelty. Residents who witness suspicious behavior or animal neglect can contact local authorities to ensure timely medical intervention for pets in need.
Further reading
For more information on animal welfare and pet rescue efforts in the area, visit the Cats section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by NBC 7 San Diego.
