PETA Announces $5,000 Reward for Information on Pellet Gun Shootings of Stray Cats in South Los Angeles

PETA is offering a $5,000 reward for any information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for shooting at least three stray cats with a pellet gun in South Los Angeles over the past two months. The incidents, which began in February, have resulted in one cat’s death and serious injury to another named Albert, who now suffers from a limp after a pellet lodged in his spine. Albert was discovered in an alley near the corner of West 94th Street and Vermont Avenue and is currently in foster care receiving treatment for his pain. A representative from Friends of Normie Rescue confirmed the details to local media. PETA Senior Vice President Lisa Lange criticized local animal control authorities, stating it is past time for them to investigate these shootings to prevent further harm to the area’s stray cat population. Estimates indicate there are nearly one million stray cats in Los Angeles. In response to the large feral cat numbers, the city implemented the Citywide Cat Program in 2022, which funds organizations to humanely trap, spay or neuter, and release cats back into their territories. The shootings have raised concerns among animal welfare groups about the safety of stray animals in the neighborhood. Authorities have not yet identified a suspect, and the reward aims to encourage tips from the community. This case highlights ongoing challenges with animal cruelty and the management of urban stray animal populations in major cities like Los Angeles.