PETA Offers $5K Reward After Cats Shot in South LA

At least 3 cats injured, 1 killed, in recent pellet gun attacks

Mar. 29, 2026 at 4:05am

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People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has offered a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the person or people responsible for shooting at least three cats with a pellet gun in South Los Angeles since February. One cat died from its injuries, while another named Albert sustained a spinal injury and will require lifelong pain medication.

Why it matters

The incidents have raised concerns over a growing animal abuse epidemic in the area, with a PETA representative criticizing a lack of response from local authorities. The situation also highlights the broader challenges of stray cat management in Los Angeles, where the city launched a program in 2022 to humanely address the large stray population.

The details

At least three cats have been found shot with a pellet gun in South Los Angeles since February. One cat died as a result of the shootings, while another cat named Albert was found with a bullet lodged in his spine near the corner of W. 94th Street and Vermont Avenue. Albert is currently in foster care and is expected to have a limp and require pain medication for the rest of his life.

  • The incidents have occurred since February 2026.
  • The City of Los Angeles launched the Citywide Cat Program in 2022 to help manage the stray cat population.

The players

PETA

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, an animal rights organization that has offered a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the person or people responsible for the cat shootings.

Friends of Normie Rescue

A local animal rescue group that has reported dozens of cats being shot in the area.

Lisa Lange

PETA Senior Vice President, who has criticized local authorities for a lack of response to the cat shootings.

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What they’re saying

“It's past time that local animal control do their jobs and investigate these shootings before more cats finish up injured or dead.”

— Lisa Lange, PETA Senior Vice President

What’s next

If authorities are able to identify a suspect, a criminal investigation and potential prosecution could follow. The reward offered by PETA may generate leads that could help bring an end to these attacks.

The takeaway

The cat shootings in South LA highlight the ongoing challenges of addressing animal cruelty and stray cat populations in urban areas. While the city has taken steps to manage the stray cat issue, more consistent enforcement of animal welfare laws and community-based solutions may be needed to prevent such incidents of violence against animals.