PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The Pennsylvania SPCA is asking for the public’s help after two stray cats were found shot to death in South Philadelphia.
The cats were discovered at PhilaPort Pier 80, along Christopher Columbus Boulevard and the Delaware River waterfront. The port is behind the Columbus Commons shopping center, near IKEA and Lowe’s.
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According to PSPCA Humane Law Enforcement, caretakers of the group of stray cats discovered two of the cats had been intentionally shot. Officials say the caretakers were suspicious of the shootings, as both felines had been otherwise healthy and had all the proper shots.
“They weren’t quite sure what caused the death of the cats,” said Nicole Wilson, director of Humane Law Enforcement and shelter operations. “But because they were recently vetted and spayed and neutered and returned to the colony, they did not suspect natural causes.”
PSPCA officers took the cats and examined their bodies to collect evidence and determine the causes of death. The organization says bullets were found in both cats, which have been sent to the Philadelphia Police Department to see if the gun was used in other violent crimes, including on people.
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“This is a clear case of abuse,” added Wilson. “These cats were trying to live a peaceful, happy life in the best way they could.
“Somebody had to clearly hunt them down and shoot them, and that can’t be tolerated in our city. These animals were a victim of gun violence in this city and we want to be able to find out who was responsible, because one of the biggest indicators of human violence is animal violence. And so we want to be able to stop this here and now.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact the PSPCA’s cruelty hotline at 866-601-7722 or cruelty@pspca.org. Tips can be annoymous.