Bermuda Dunes, Calif. — Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy today announced that they are offering a $2,500 reward for information leading to the arrest, prosecution, and conviction of the person responsible for the repeated shooting with a BB Gun, leading to the death of a cat.
According to reports from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, a stray community cat named Celebi was shot multiple times in the face and throat with a BB gun in Bermuda Dunes, California. Although the local family who most often cared for the community cat brought her to an animal control officer, who then took the animal to Coachella Valley Animal Campus for treatment, the injuries were so severe that she ultimately died. Neighbors along Avenue 42 who also cared for the innocent feline are heartbroken.
At this time, no suspect has been identified in connection with this act of cruelty against the cat. However, according to NBC Palm Springs, intentionally harming or killing an animal is a serious offense under California Penal Code Section 597. Violations can be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony and may also result in up to one year in jail with fines up to $20,000.
“This act of malice toward a defenseless animal should not be ignored or excused,” said Wayne Pacelle, president of Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy. “Random acts of cruelty are often predictors of more violence to come from the perpetrator. We encourage anyone with information to contact authorities and we provide cash rewards if that information leads to an arrest.”
Animal Wellness Action encourages community members to report tips to the Riverside County Animal Control at 951-358-7381.
Animal Wellness Action is also pressing for stronger federal enforcement capacity to combat animal cruelty, citing the close link between cruelty to animals and violence toward humans. The Animal Cruelty Enforcement (ACE) Act, H.R. 1477, would create a team of dedicated prosecutors to work with local and federal authorities to enforce anti-cruelty laws, and the FBI Animal Cruelty Taskforce Act, H.R. 3683, would establish a specialized policing unit within the FBI to focus on animal cruelty crimes.