Kitten Survives; OHS and ALDF Offer Reward
Updates: upon examination by the OHS medical team prior to surgery to remove the bullet/pellet and also spay/neuter, “Lucy” was found to be a boy, and has been renamed to Louie.
The Oregon Humane Society is partnering with the Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF) to increase the reward for the person who shot Lucy, a 12-week-old kitten, from $500 to $5,000.
“Anyone who can engage in such a violent and depraved act presents a huge risk to our community,” said Scott Heiser, Director of ALDF’s Criminal Justice Program, based in Portland. “That person needs to be off the streets and held fully accountable. That is why we are joining forces with Oregon Humane Society to increase the reward in this case.” ALDF is a national nonprofit that works through the legal system to end the suffering of abused animals.
The $5,000 reward is for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for shooting Lucy the kitten and abandoning her in a dumpster in Southeast Portland. ALDF is contributing $2,500 to the reward fund, which will be matched by $2,500 from OHS.
“If there is a silver lining in this case, it is the huge outpouring of community support for Lucy,” said OHS Executive Director Sharon Harmon. “We applaud ALDF for their show of support and hope witnesses come forth who can help us solve this case.”
Kitten Receives Treatment at OHS
A kitten was found shot twice and abandoned in a Dumpster in SE Portland. A good Samaritan discovered the kitten, still alive, and brought her to OHS for treatment.
The 12-week old kitten, named Lucy by OHS, will soon undergo surgery to remove a bullet or pellet that struck her in the head and is now lodged in her cheek. Lucy also suffered a second projectile wound to her neck. The wound to Lucy’s head caused related brain trauma.
“In cases involving such a young animal with possible neurological damage we must remain cautious, but we are optimistic that Lucy will make a full recovery,” said Dr. Jacqueline Blanchette, OHS lead veterinarian.
Lucy is not available for adoption at this time. OHS will update on her progress when able.
Shot and Abandoned in Dumpster
OHS veterinarians have not yet determined the type of weapon responsible for Lucy’s wound. They suspect an air rifle or a .22 caliber firearm was used. After being shot twice, Lucy was wrapped in two black garbage bags and put in a Dumpster in the parking lot of an apartment building on the 2200 block of SE 96th Avenue in Portland, near the intersection with SE Division (see photo). She was discovered on the morning of May 28 by a concerned citizen who brought her to OHS to receive medical attention. It is not known how long Lucy was in the Dumpster before being discovered.
“The person who did this horrible act to Lucy could be a danger to other animals as well as to people,” said Sharon Harmon, OHS executive director. “We hope the public will share any information they have with our investigators to help solve this case.”
Call the Tip Line with Information
TIP LINE: OHS is seeking any information related to the person or persons who shot Lucy and abandoned her in the dumpster. Anyone with information concerning these crimes is encouraged to contact OHS and leave a message at (503) 285-7722, ext. 214. There is a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible.
Video of Lucy at OHS
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How do you live with yourself? Thank you OHS for your amazing, amazing work!
I love kittens and i might get one for my 12 birthday in June. Also I cant believe someone would hurt a animal. Because obviously it wasn’t attacking them because its just a baby. I’m vegetarian and believe every life is equal.