Illinois: Doug Gustin, 37, thought it would be funny to duct tape his cat and post photos on Facebook

ILLINOIS -- The Vermilion County Animal Shelter's phone has been busy this week, fielding phone calls from people who either want to adopt or check on the condition of a cat whose owner was arrested after police say he put duct tape all over the animal and posted it on Facebook.

Doug Gustin, 37, posted a picture of the duct-taped cat on the social media site after 2 a.m. March 2, prompting calls to police in Georgetown, according to Sgt. Ephriam Bolin. He said Gustin used the tape to spell out obscenities.

"(The cat) was tied up in masking tape," Bolin said. "He had obscenities written on him in duct tape."

After getting complaints, a Georgetown police officer found the post on Facebook, printed out the pictures and accompanying messages from Gustin's page and went to his residence in the 100 block of North Seminary.

Gustin denied the incident to police, who arrested him for animal cruelty, said Bolin, who added that the cat did not appear to be injured.

But it was removed from Gustin's residence and placed at the Vermilion County Animal Shelter on Catlin-Tilton Road, where it will be held pending the outcome of Gustin's case. Bolin said Gustin has no criminal history of animal cruelty.

Paige Brown, director of the shelter, said staff have fielded calls from people who either want to adopt the cat or make sure it's OK.

Gustin was arraigned in Vermilion County Circuit Court on one misdemeanor count of cruel treatment to animals. He posted $100 bond and was released from jail.

His next court appearance is scheduled for May 4.

(Champaign/Urbana News-Gazette - March 5, 2016)