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'Horrific Act': 2 Cats Shot In Maryland; Humane Society Looking For Information

CLEAR SPRING, Md. (WJZ) -- The Humane Society of Washington County is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information that will lead to an arrest and conviction of the person or people who shot two cats in Clear Spring.

A citizen who lives in the area of National Pike and St. Paul Road brought an injured cat in for treatment on Dec. 29.

The shelter veterinarian determined the cat was shot. His injuries were too severe and he was euthanized.

The shelter found the owner.

Then on Jan. 3, the human society was called to the same area for a report of a second cat that was shot. Officers found the gravely injured cat and she was later euthanized. She was shot twice.

"Both animals unnecessarily suffered from this heinous act," the humane society said in a press release. "Deliberate acts of cruelty like this are particularly disturbing and should not be tolerated in any community."

The humane society's field services director, Crystal Mowery, called the shootings "a horrific act of animal cruelty."

"Our officers have been out in the area canvassing talking to neighbors and trying to connect with people... and while... small information has come, it's not been near enough," she said.

Nearby residents decried the instances of animal cruelty.

"It's kind of sickening to kill an animal," Rick Plotner of Hagerstown said.

"It's a terrible thing," said Abbe Clark of Clear Spring. "I'm an animal lover like most people, and that's despicable."

Officers are interviewing area residents to find out if anyone saw something. But, they need help. Anyone with information is asked to call HSWC Field Services at 301-733-2060, extension 203.

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