The Hallandale Beach Police and Crime Stoppers are offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the individual who shot a community cat named Hawkeye with a blowgun dart. According to NBC Miami, the incident occurred earlier this month and was discovered when a volunteer who had been looking after the cat for seven years noticed the dart.
A 5-inch dart had pierced Hawkeye's backside, yet the cat survived after the dart narrowly missed vital organs. The police are still trying to pinpoint when or where the attack happened and are urging anyone with information to come forward. Meanwhile, WLRN reports that the beloved stray was found injured in the 700 block of S.W. 6th Street, indicating the cruel act took place within a few days prior.
Good Karma Pet Rescue stepped in to provide medical treatment for Hawkeye, removing the blowgun dart and helping the cat to recover. Dr. Pete Otovic, a vet with the rescue, expressed his disbelief at the attack. "It's really hard for me to understand what goes through a person's mind when they're trying, when they're doing something like this to an animal," he told WLRN. He added that the dart passed only through flesh but caused serious inflammation and pain.
The rescue center is covering Hawkeye's medical expenses and has requested donations to support his ongoing care. As investigators call on the community for assistance, they have set up a means to accept tips through Crime Stoppers. Individuals with any information on the incident can call 954-493-TIPS (8477) or submit a tip online at the Broward Crime Stoppers website.
