I'm curious how things went when animal shelter people got there, ie were the teens still there and watched it be trapped and HEARD sympathy from others regarding the cat's condition? Did anyone chastise them or just ignore them? Did any of them know how the cat came to have broken legs (did THEY do it?). I think I too would have locked myself in the car if only for the safety for my cat and child in the car. And of course jump out to intervene when necessary! Bravo for you turning around! I'm sure the scene would have haunted you for a long time had you not turned around to check it out! And bravo to you for staying put! Who knows how much worse the physical abuse would have gotten without your presence! Did the teens dis you in a nasty, threatening way?
Poor guy...too much hurting in the world...