- Hawaii, USA -
KAT Charities is an animal rescue group on the island of Oahu that is addressing an alarming case of cats who are being shot with blow darts on Schofield Barracks Army Base.
The New York Post reports that on Thursday, June 3, a female cat was found after being brutally maimed.
The furbaby, later named Katniss, was found at Schofield Barracks Army Base and had a blow dart in her neck.
As reported by KHON2, Katniss was taken to the Aloha Affordable Veterinary Services and is now recovering.
Aloha Affordable Veterinary Services confirmed with KHON2 that they treated Katniss.
Dr. Karen Tyson founder of KAT Charities said: “It is our understanding that a group of soldiers... purchased blow dart guns while on a recent training mission,” reports Hawaii News Now.
Dr. Tyson also said that two other cats were found brutally mutilated near the Popeyes on base.
“It’s unclear who shoots the felines but animal abuse on military bases is becoming more common”, she said.
KAT Charities vice president Beth Doughty rightfully said: “It’s surprising that it’s our military. It’s on our military bases. We expect more from them.”
In a statement, KAT Charities said: “What we know: There is a person or people shooting blow darts at stray cats around Schofield Barracks Army Base on Oahu. It is our understanding that a group of soldiers purchased blow dart guns while on a recent training to Indonesia and brought them home to Hawaii.”
KAT Charities has published graphic pictures of the defenseless cats who were found wounded and is now offering a reward in exchange for information that will lead to a criminal conviction.
Part of the reward post reads: “These animals were shot in the immediate vicinity of the 1st Battalion, 27 Infantry barracks buildings on Schofield opposite Martinez Gym, between Flagler Rd. and Humphreys Rd.
The arrows used in the shootings are believed to have been acquired along with dart guns bought during a recent deployment by several of the soldier in the Wolfhounds or Gimlets Battalion.
These darts inflict substantial damage and are extremely cruel.”
A fundraiser has also been set up to help out with the vet bills. If you wish and can afford to donate, please click here. Thank you!
Meanwhile, according to the New York Post, Army officials said they’re looking into the accusations and told the news agency: “US Army Garrison Hawaii was just made aware on Thursday and initiated an investigation into these reports. We cannot speculate about the details at this time while the investigation is ongoing.”
They also added: “Any witnesses with ‘first-hand information’ of the blow dart attacks should contact Schofield Barracks Military Police."
“This type of behavior is not tolerated on the installation and is not in keeping with our Army values”, its statement concluded.
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Details may be removed or additional information may be provided in future should such sources report an update.
The Military must find out what ‘soldiers’ did this & punish them. No excuses. These innocent souls deserve better!