Injured cat reward fund gets $2,500

MONSON – This past weekend, an anonymous person sent the Monson Town Office a check for $2,500 to be applied to the Buckshot reward fund.

The fund, which now totals $3,080, will be paid to whoever provides police with enough information to apprehend and convict the person or persons responsible for shooting Buckshot, a stray cat, in the head about 16 times at close range with a pellet gun.

Julie Anderson, Monson town clerk, said Tuesday that her office had received lots of notes containing contributions to the fund. Many wrote that they hoped the funds would help catch the person responsible for the crime.

The latest benefactor wanted to remain anonymous, she said.

The stray bobtail cat was found last month on the Steward Road with about 16 gun pellets embedded in its head. Doug Villone, Monson animal control officer, said it appeared the cat had been shot repeatedly while it was in captivity and at close range.

The cat survived the attacks and has since been adopted by an Orono couple, who say the cat has adjusted to its new home just fine.

According to Villone, no one has stepped forward with any information about the cat’s wounds. He said Tuesday that the names of anyone providing information could be kept confidential.

Anyone who may have seen the cat or may have related information should call Villone at 997-3913 or the Piscataquis County’s Sheriff’s Department at (800) 432-7372.