Putnam SPCA Offers $3,000 Reward for Cat Killer Info
The Putnam County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) is offering a $3,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest of the person that shot and attacked a cat with a blunt object in Patterson.
The Putnam SPCA reported that at around 4 p.m. on Feb. 7 a Rutland Drive resident contacted the organization after he saw that his cat had been shot while it was outside and was severely injured.
Upon arrival officers of the Putnam County SPCA observed a 7-month-old black and brown calico female cat named “Blackfoot” with what appeared to be an entrance wound near the neck area. The cat also appeared to be paralyzed from its mid-section down.
SPCA officers immediately transported the injured cat to the Westchester Animal Hospital for examination. There Dr. Robert Jiao examined the injured cat and an x-ray revealed what appeared to be a metal projectile imbedded in the dorsal thoracic area of the spine.
It is believed that the projectile may have been shot at the cat with either a high powered BB Gun or a low caliber rifle.
Dr. Jiao also found a second spinal fracture which, in his opinion, could only have been caused by severe blunt force trauma.
The examination’s findings revealed that not only was the cat shot with a high powered metal projectile, but was also struck with force in the spine causing the second fracture.
The cat remained under veterinary care until the morning of Feb.11 when the cat died due to progressive paralyzation at the Westchester Animal Hospital.
The reward is available through generous donations.
The New York State Humane Association has pledged $1000 towards the reward.
Chairperson Patricia Valusek stated “These are serious crimes not to be taken lightly, as it has been documented that such violence can lead to attacks against humans.”
A representative of a small charity in the Florida Keys named The Meow Shack who aid in spaying and neutering feral cats and finding homes for displaced animals has also pledged $1000 towards the reward.
In addition, a concerned local resident and animal lover has also pledged $1000 towards the reward.
The Putnam County SPCA officers have spoken with numerous residents of the Rutland Drive area in Putnam Lake asking for information in regards to this incident.
“Although many feel that feral cats may be a nuisance, it is a crime to harm these animals,” said Chief Ken Ross of the Putnam County SPCA. “Owned cats, under the law are allowed to roam outside, and when someone takes matters into their own hands, not only are they committing animal cruelty, they may end injuring their neighbor’s child or pet.”
The Putnam County SPCA will institute patrols in the area in hopes that it will serve as a deterrent to prevent additional acts of cruelty.
As it continues this investigation the Putnam SPCA is still looking into the cat decapitation case of August 2012. The severed head of a brown tabby cat was found staged in the intersection of Garfield Drive and Quogue Road in the Putnam Lake area, approximately one half-mile away from the current crime scene.
The Putnam County SPCA is asking for the public’s assistance with finding whoever committed this crime. Calls can remain confidential. The Putnam County SPCA’s 24 hour animal cruelty hotline is 845-520-6915 or go online to www.spcaputnam.org.
Adam has worked in the local news industry for the past two decades in Westchester County and the broader Hudson Valley. Read more from Adam’s author bio here.
