SACRAMENTO, Calif.—The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is offering a $2,500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the shooting death of a ringtail cat in Meadow Vista, California.
The Case:
According to an article in the January 6 edition of The Auburn Journal, a Meadow Vista resident found the injured animal at the bottom of his driveway on the morning of January 4. The ringtail cat had been shot four times, including once in the head with what appeared to be a BB gun. The cat was taken to Companion Veterinary Care in Auburn, where he later died of his injuries. The ringtail or "miners cat" is not a true cat and is more closely related to the raccoon.
"This animal is relatively rare in our area," said Paul Bruce, program coordinator for the HSUS West Coast Regional Office in Sacramento. "It's a shame someone would commit such a cruel, senseless act against such a harmless, beautiful creature."
Animal Cruelty:
The connection between animal cruelty and human violence is well documented. The HSUS First Strike Campaign® raises public awareness and educates communities about this connection while providing a variety of resources to law enforcement agencies, social work professionals, educators, legislators and families. The HSUS offers rewards in animal cruelty cases across the country and works to strengthen laws against animal cruelty. Visit www.hsus.org/firststrike.
The Investigators:
Placer County Animal Control is investigating this case. Anyone with information is asked to call Rich Ward at 530-886-5500. Information will be kept confidential.
The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization with more than eight million members and constituents. The HSUS is a mainstream voice for animals, with active programs in companion animals and equine protection, wildlife and habitat protection, animals in research and farm animals and sustainable agriculture. The HSUS protects all animals through legislation, litigation, investigation, education, advocacy and fieldwork. The non-profit organization is based in Washington, DC and has regional offices across the country. On the web at www.hsus.org
