Humane World for Animals is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of whoever is responsible for a shocking case of animal cruelty in Maryland, where at least eight cats have been found injured or killed after being shot with steel razor-tip blow gun darts, according to the Humane Society of Washington County (HSWC).
Seven of the cats were discovered on September 6th near Park Hall Road and Amos Reeder Road in Boonsboro. Another cat was found with similar injuries on September 12th. Six of the cats died from their wounds. Two survived and are expected to make a full recovery.
“It’s sickening to think about the horror and pain these cats suffered, while deeply disturbing to realize that a person is choosing to torment cats in this way,” said Stacey Volodin, Maryland state director of Humane World for Animals. “We are incredibly thankful to the Humane Society of Washington County for investigating this crime, and we hope this reward helps find the person or persons responsible for these appalling acts.”
To help encourage leads, HSWC has added an extra $2,500 to the reward, increasing the total to $7,500.
Animal cruelty is more than a threat to animals, it’s a red flag of broader danger. Studies show a strong link between animal abuse and serious crimes, such as domestic violence, sexual assault, and drug or weapons offenses.
Humane World for Animals is urging the public to take these acts seriously and report any information they have to the number and e-mail below. The organization’s Animal Cruelty Campaign focuses on raising awareness, supporting investigations, and strengthening animal cruelty laws nationwide.
The HSWC Field Services Division is actively investigating this case. Anyone with information is urged to call (240) 707-3082 or email [email protected].
