Reward Grows to $26K for Cat Shot With 'Crossbow'

(Story updated on Saturday at 11 p.m.) MIAMI BEACH, FL — Outrage is growing over the torture and death of a stray cat locals called "Strushie" and so is the reward. Local business people kicked in another $3,000 to bring the total reward to $26,000 for information leading to the successful prosecution of the person or persons responsible for shooting the animal with what animal rights activists believe was a small crossbow.

Strushie was left to die in an area of South Beach not far from a number of popular restaurants and bars on Wednesday morning. The animal's injuries were so severe it had to be euthanized. (Sign up for our free Daily Newsletters and Breaking News Alerts for the Miami Beach Patch.)

A former hotelier in Miami Beach, Eleonora Todaro, put up $20,000 of the reward money while animal rescue groups put up an additional $3,000. Stephen Sawitz of Joe's Stone Crab added $2,000 and Mitch Novick, owner of the Sherbrooke All Suites Hotel added another $1,000

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Todaro told a news crew that Strushie was a fixture in the neighborhood when she owned the Franklin Hotel in South Beach. The cat rubbed up against her leg as she arrived for work in the morning and again when she went home at the end of her often hectic work days.

"Strushie was a stray cat who lived in the outdoor common area of the Franklin Hotel at 860 Collins in Miami Beach, Florida," according to a Facebook page set up to bring "Justice for Strushie." The page was created by Miami Beach animal lover, Gillian Mirabelle. She also runs the group, Miami Beach Cat Warriors.

Strushie was found shortly before 9 a.m. in the 800 block of Collins Court on Wednesday not far from tourist favorite Ocean Drive.

"The caller observed a beige cat with what appeared to be an arrow or dart lodged through its head and neck," explained Ernesto Rodriguez of the Miami Beach Police Department.

Mirabelle said the objects found in the cat appeared to more closely match a photograph of a small crossbow and arrow set she found on Amazon. Strushie was one of about four regular strays that made their home in the neighborhood.

"I speak out for those who can't speak for themselves," Mirabelle told Patch. "Killing a beloved local stray with a crossbow is barbaric."

Police are asking for the public's help in finding the person or persons responsible for torturing Strushie.
To report a tip, send an email to marianagarcia@miamibeachfl.gov, call Miami Beach Police at 305-673-7901or Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS (8477) or 866-471-8477. Alternatively, visit crimestoppersmiami.com and select "Give a Tip" or text "CSMD" followed by the tip to 274637.

Photo courtesy of Justice for Strushie Facebook Page