UPDATE: 'Smurf' kitten rescued after being dyed purple undergoes surgery

REDWOOD CITY, Ca. - UPDATE: The rescued kitten that may have been used as a chew toy for dogs is being described as a "fighter with a wonderful spirit," after the animal underwent emergency surgery over the weekend

Someone dyed the 7-week-old kitten purple, and it weighed just 1-pound, 10-ounces.

The 9 Lives Foundation shelter in Redwood City, Ca. received the little guy via an anonymous rescuer. He was dyed purple from head to toe, and suffered roughly 20 wounds to his body.

The team at 9 Lives dubbed him Smurf. He was found in a box of purple rags and lemon peels.

Smurf underwent surgery to repair the large wound on his right leg and knee.

"I've seen a lot of animals used as bait for other animals, it looks to me like he was used as a chew toy," said Monica Rudiger with the Redwood City shelter to local news outlets. "He obviously wasn't killed by the dog or whatever animal it was but he was pretty badly injured."

He will be put up for adoption soon.

There is no word on who is behind this animal abuse case.