KAILUA-KONA — The community is upping the ante for information leading to those responsible for the shooting of three cats on Hawaii Island.
Some $8,250 was on the table as of Monday afternoon for any tips leading to prosecution in any of the three incidents that killed cats since December 2016, said Donna Whitaker, executive director of the Hawaii Island Humane Society.
“We’re getting so many donations,” said Whitaker.
The majority of the funds have come from anonymous donors, Whitaker said. Two donors, the West Hawaii Humane Society and an individual, Danielle Gall, have opted to be identified publicly.
The West Hawaii Humane Society, a local 501 (c)(3) nonprofit, contributed $1,000 toward the reward on Monday with the hope it will get someone to come forward with information on the killings.
“We care about what happens to all animals and we want to support the local agencies and work together toward the goal of humane treatment of all animals,” West Hawaii Humane Society Treasurer Mary Menacho said.
In addition, Teshima’s Restaurant is setting up a donation box to raise funds to increase the reward, Whitaker said.
Whitaker said Monday that the humane society is currently investigating tips that it has received in connection with the incidents. Police also confirmed they were following up on a lead as well.
The most recent incident occurred Aug. 28 when Hawaii Island Humane Society officers were sent to an anonymous report of a cat running around with an arrow embedded in its body at Harold H. Higashihara Park in Honalo. The black female cat, which appeared to have been shot six to eight days prior, was subsequently humanely euthanized.
The first instance occurred Dec. 19, 2016, when a cat was found injured by an arrow in the Target parking lot in Kona and the second incident of a cat shot with an arrow was reported in the Hilo area about six months later. Both cats were also humanely euthanized.
The torture or mutilation of pet animals as well as the killing or attempted killing of pet animals without the legal authority or consent of the animal’s owner is a class C felony punishable by one to five years imprisonment.
Anyone with any information on the incident may make an anonymous statement to Roxy O’Neal at the Hawaii Island Humane Society at 329-1175. They can also call police at 935-3311.