$5,000 Reward to Find Person Who Shot Cat With An Arrow

ROHNERT PARK, CA — The Cotati-based Animal Legal Defense Fund has offered a $5,000 reward for information related to the arrow shooting of a cat in Rohnert Park last month.

The 2-year-old gray and white male cat named "Steph" is believed to have been shot on July 25 or 26 with a small-game hunting arrow. Steph's owner found him on July 27 in the E section of Rohnert Park with a puncture wound in the leg and a foreign object buried in his chest, according to the city's Department of Public Safety.

A veterinarian removed the arrow tip from Steph's chest and he is expected to survive.

The penalty for felony animal cruelty is three years in jail and/or a $20,000 fine, and the Sonoma County District Attorney's Office has discretion on whether to file the charge as a felony, public safety officials said.

Stephen Wells, executive director of the Animal Legal Defense Fund, said the shooting poses a risk to the community because there is a link between violence to animals and violence to humans. "We are very glad the police are taking this matter seriously, and we offer our full support," Wells said in a statement.

The $5,000 reward is for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the shooter.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Department of Public Safety at (707) 584-2600 or send information via crimetips@rpcity.org. Those who wish to remain anonymous can call (7070 584-2677 (COPS).

— Bay City News