Four cats miraculously survive arrow wounds; neighborhood traumatized by the unsolved crime
Newman, CA (February 15, 2013) – RedRover, a nonprofit animal protection organization based in Sacramento, California, is offering a $2,500 reward for information leading to the arrest and arraignment of whoever shot four cats in a Newman area with crossbow arrows. Additional reward funds are being offered by community members, bringing the total reward for information as high as $3,000.
On Saturday, January 26, four outdoor pet cats who belong to separate owners were found with six-inch crossbow darts lodged in their eyes, chests, shoulders, and torso. Three of the cats required surgery; one cat lost his eye. Another nearby resident came forward to report that her cat had died from a similar injury in December, bringing the possible total of cat victims to five. Reportedly, several arrows were found in the yard where one cat was shot, leading investigators to believe that the cats were deliberately hunted.
“My cat has suffered tremendously because of this cruel and senseless act,” said Mary Areias-Romo, one of the cats’ owners. “I have spent $500 on veterinary bills so far, but the cost of losing our feeling of safety, knowing that the person who did this is still out there, is much greater.”
Anyone with information in this case is encouraged to call Stanislaus Area Crime Stoppers toll free at 866.60.CRIME (27463) or 209.521.4636. Callers may remain anonymous.
Download and share RedRover’s reward flier.
“We hope our reward will encourage someone who knows more about this sick, cruel act to come forward with information that could solve this crime and make the community safer,” said RedRover President and CEO Nicole Forsyth. “Violence toward animals is often a precursor to violence toward people, so Newman residents have a stake in seeing that whoever committed these illegal acts is punished to the full extent of the law.”
A study conducted by the Massachusetts SPCA and Northeastern University showed that people who abuse animals are five times more likely commit violence against people, four times more likely to commit property crimes, and three times more likely to be involved in drunken or disorderly offenses.
RedRover pledges rewards around the country to encourage witnesses to step forward with information about animal cruelty crimes and to highlight the need for harsher punishments in such cases.
Founded in 1987, RedRover focuses on bringing animals out of crisis and strengthening the bond between people and animals through a variety of programs, including emergency sheltering, disaster relief services, financial assistance and education. The RedRover Readers program aims to prevent animal cruelty before it happens through its unique community-based literacy approach, which helps children increase their level of empathy for people and pets through stories and discussion. The next online training for teachers and other educators begins May 25. Learn more about RedRover and its programs at www.redrover.org.
MEDIA CONTACT: Karen Brown 916.429.2457 or info@redrover.org
Updates
- Modesto Bee, February 20: Will bounty stop crossbow-wielding killer?
- Fox40 News, January 28: Family finds two of three cats shot by crossbow [VIDEO]
- Gustine Press-Standard, January 30: Newman cats targeted with crossbow