A person targeting cats with a BB gun is on the loose in Los Angeles after several alley cats were found dead. Animal advocates say they are working urgently to stop the attacks.
Animal rights group PETA has announced a $5,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of whoever is responsible.
In a statement, PETA said the attacks come amid what it describes as a growing problem of animal abuse in the area and a lack of action from local authorities.
It is not clear whether law enforcement is actively investigating the killings. The reward is intended to encourage anyone with information to come forward and help identify the suspect.
Friends of Normie Rescue and PETA are raising awareness about a series of attacks on cats in the area near West 94th Street and Vermont Avenue.
According to a volunteer with Friends of Normie, dozens of cats may have been shot since early March, with incidents happening nearly every week. Many of the cats in the area had previously been abandoned, leaving them especially vulnerable.
One of the injured cats, named Albert, was shot in the spine with a BB gun. The projectile cannot be removed without risking paralysis, meaning Albert will likely need pain medication for the rest of his life and will permanently walk with a limp. After the shooting, PETA worked with Friends of Normie to help provide Albert with medical care.
As part of its “Here Kitty, Kitty” campaign, PETA is also encouraging cat owners to keep their pets indoors to reduce the risk of harm. The campaign includes an advertisement featuring actor Jaeden Martell of “It” and “St. Vincent,” portraying several characters who attempt to lure cats with dangerous items such as gasoline, a golf club, a shotgun, and poison.
PETA Senior Vice President Lisa Lange said local animal control authorities should investigate the shootings before more cats are injured or killed. She also urged people to keep their cats indoors, report suspected abuse or neglect, and help animals that appear to be in danger or distress.