Reward Offered: Police Seek Person Shooting Cats In West Tampa

TAMPA, FL — The Humane Society of Tampa Bay is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the identity of the person who's been shooting cats in the West Lasalle Avenue area in West Tampa.

Last week, the Humane Society received a call from a resident who found a cat suffering from BB gunshot wounds.

The cat, named Flower, was shot several times. One BB shattered her right pelvis and damaged her colon. Another was lodged in her right leg. She had an infection surrounding the wounds that had caused an abscess. She also had a number of scars indicating she'd been shot previously.

Humane Society veterinarian Dr. Justin Boorstein removed the BBs and then performed surgery to insert a drain on Friday. But, during the surgery, he discovered that Flower’s abdomen and tissue surrounding the wound were septic.

"We had no choice but to euthanize her," the Humane Society announced on its Facebook page.

The Humane Society said Flower isn't the only victim.

Multiple stray cats have either died or been seriously injured after being shot with a BB gun in the West La Salle Avenue neighborhood.

The Humane Society of Tampa Bay said at least seven cats have been shot in the past week. Three have died including a 3-month-old kitten.

The Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center is working with the Tampa Police to identify the shooter.

"We cannot let this happen to another animal," said Humane Society CEO Sherry Silk. "We want justice for Flower and all the cats that are being shot. We are offering a $1,000 reward to the person who turns this individual over to Animal Control."

Anyone with information is asked to call the Pet Resource Center at 813-744-5660.