Cats Targeted With Blowgun Darts

LONACONING, Md. (AP) -- The Allegany County Sheriff's Office says two men and a 17-year-old boy shot at cats with blowgun darts in communities along Georges Creek south of Frostburg.

Deputy Gary Crowe said Wednesday that the suspects acknowledged shooting at 10 cats. He says at least one was struck by a four-inch dart. He says three other people have reported their cats were hit.

None of the animals was killed or required veterinary care.

Crowe says investigators recovered three, 36-inch blowguns the suspects had purchased at a local sporting goods store.

Christopher Fazenbaker, 25, of Lonaconing and Jamie Villa, 19, of Frostburg are charged with one count each of animal cruelty and attempted animal cruelty. Neither could be reached immediately for comment.

The youth was referred to juvenile authorities.

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