Volunteer rescuers in South Los Angeles say a pocket of neighborhood alleyways has turned into a shooting zone for local cats, with multiple animals turning up with gunshot wounds in recent weeks and at least one that did not survive. The injuries appear consistent with pellet or BB-gun strikes, according to volunteers, and many of the cases have surfaced in the same stretch of back alleys. One cat, a tabby named Albert, was X-rayed and is now on long-term pain medication after veterinarians warned that trying to remove a lodged pellet near his spine could leave him paralyzed. The string of cases has reignited criticism from local feed-and-rescue groups over what they describe as thin enforcement and limited resources for managing feral colonies.
Rescuers' Account and Vet Findings
Friends of Normie Rescue, the group caring for Albert and other injured cats, told ABC7 Los Angeles that the first reported shooting incident came in February. Volunteers say three cats were found with gunshot wounds around that time, and one had to be euthanized because of the extent of the internal damage.
Ladan Davia, who founded Friends of Normie Rescue, told ABC7, “The bullet had done too much damage, so unfortunately, he was put down,” adding that Albert now has a pellet lodged near his spine that will likely leave him with a permanent limp. Veterinary staff advised rescuers that attempting surgery to remove the pellet could cause paralysis, so volunteers have opted for pain management, close monitoring, and supportive care while the cats recover as much as they can.
Where Volunteers Found the Animals
Volunteers say many of the injured or dead animals have been discovered in alleyways near West 94th Street in the Westmont area, a pattern documented by CBS Los Angeles. Rescuers told Fox 11 Los Angeles they have also come across trash bags containing dead dogs and multiple cats with pellet-gun injuries in the same general area.
The volunteers say that spots where they routinely feed and monitor feral colonies are starting to feel dangerous, not just for the animals but for the people who care for them. Friends of Normie and other local rescuers say they are racing to trap, treat, and, when possible, rehome the animals before more are hurt.
PETA Offers a Reward
On March 26, animal-rights organization PETA announced it is offering a $5,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of whoever is responsible for the shootings, according to a press release from PETA. The group said it worked with a local rescue to secure medical care for Albert and called for stronger enforcement of existing cruelty laws.
PETA Senior Vice President Lisa Lange said the city needs to do more to investigate and prevent such attacks. The release also provides contact information for Friends of Normie so tipsters can share information and residents can access the group’s public-education resources.
Officials and How to Report
Local news outlets say they contacted city animal control officials about the shootings; ABC7 reported it had not received a response from Los Angeles Animal Services at the time of its coverage.
Residents who witness or suspect abuse can file reports directly with LA Animal Services or submit anonymous tips to Los Angeles Regional Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS. City officials have pointed to increased enforcement efforts in serious animal cruelty cases in recent months, but rescuers on the ground say responses are still uneven and stress that detailed reports, photos, and timelines help investigators build viable cases.
How to Help
According to volunteers, the quickest ways for members of the public to help are fostering cats, contributing to medical costs, and reporting suspected cruelty as soon as it is seen. Friends of Normie shares donation links and fostering information at Friends of Normie.
Rescuers are also urging pet owners in the area to keep their cats indoors or under close supervision outside and to document any injuries right away so animals can get prompt veterinary care. They say PETA’s reward and the resulting media attention have amplified calls for prosecutions in these cases, but that they still need more volunteers and more funding to keep up with the number of animals in crisis.
Legal Angle
Under California Penal Code Section 597, intentionally maiming, mutilating, or torturing an animal can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the severity of the conduct, and can carry jail time and fines, according to the state code. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the South L.A. attacks to submit tips to investigators or to Crime Stoppers so prosecutors can determine what charges may apply.
