Young Cat Shot in Eldorado H.S. Neighborhood
APNM Offers Reward Up To $5,000 for Information

ALBUQUERQUE — It was raining the morning of Wednesday, October 7, when a pair of 16-month-old white cats was allowed outdoors of their home on the 4000 block of Stephanie Dr. NE, less than half a mile from Eldorado High School. When the cats were checked on in the afternoon, the male, Buddy, huddled in a corner of the patio, lethargic.
            His guardian, who prefers to remain anonymous, picked up the snowy white cat, and found wetness on his hand. It was blood.
            Later, an ex-ray showed that Buddy had been shot.
            Animal Protection of New Mexico (APNM) is offering a reward of up to $5,000 in this case, for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrator(s).
            The cat’s veterinarian described how the pellet had torn through a section of small intestine, “creased” the lining of the stomach, damaged connective tissues around organs, and stopped just under the skin opposite the side where it had entered. Although Buddy is expected to recover, he is still on intravenous fluids, and is in pain.
            The pellet recovered from Buddy’s injuries is a .177 soft lead pellet—the type used with an air rifle. His guardians doubt that Buddy was shot while he was on his home property. And they have no idea who might have been the shooter.
            After going through a couple of setbacks that nearly ended his life, Buddy is at home again, under the watchful care of the people who love him.
            Anyone who believes they might have information helpful to this case is asked to call the Attorney General’s Animal Cruelty Task Force hotline, toll-free:  877-5-HUMANE. All calls are confidential, and callers may remain anonymous.