Bucks County SPCA (BCSPCA) has charged Shawaun Lakins of Fairless Hills, with two counts of aggravated cruelty to animals for the shooting of two owned cats near Aspen Falls Apartments on Nov. 15, resulting in the death of one cat and serious injury to the other.
BCSPCA said Wednesday evening it had identified Lakins as the suspect in the shooting after receiving a tip in response to a press release and reward offer asking the public for information on the incident. BCSPCA investigators received video footage showing a man in a trench coat who appeared to conceal something and then the sound of possible gunshots before a black and a white cat are seen running in the parking area.
A white cat named Tootsie was shot and killed. Radiographs taken at a vet hospital identified a pellet lodged near the cat’s spine. A black cat named Jackie was shot and required surgery to remove her badly damaged eye. A pellet is still lodged in the left side of her skull near her left eye, but the pellet could not be removed safely due to the location.
BCSPCA’s executive director Linda Reider said, “Sadly, BCSPCA is called upon to investigate shootings of owned animals in Bucks County each year. We are so thankful to the community who shared the reward post and news stories on social media. Thanks to the actions of concerned citizens, someone with credible information heard the story and contacted our Humane Law Enforcement team. We also appreciate the cooperation of Falls Township police in this investigation. This case should send a message to anyone who considers shooting or otherwise harming animals in Bucks County.”
Pennsylvania has strong animal protection laws. It is illegal in Pennsylvania to intentionally beat, injure, abuse, or cause serious bodily injury or death of an animal. Thankfully, Jackie, the injured cat, is home and recovering well.
Anyone who suspects an animal in Bucks County is being neglected or abused should contact BCSPCA’s report cruelty tip line at 844-SPCA-Tip (844-772-2847) or reportcruelty@buckscountyspca.org.
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