Bradenton man offers $500 reward in Tampa cat shooting, near-drowning

TAMPA — Lovey's black and white body was riddled with 30 BBs.

The cat was locked in a carrier marked "Kitty Penitentiary Est. 2010," dumped in McKay Bay and left to drown. She was saved when a passer-by heard gurgling and pulled her from the bay early Wednesday.

It was too much for George Hall, a Bradenton store owner. He wants to help find whoever is responsible.

Hall, who owns the newly opened Discount Battery, is offering $500 for information leading to an arrest.

"I was outraged," Hall said. "If my money is going to go somewhere, I can't think of a better place."

Hall said he will take money from people in the Bradenton and Sarasota areas who want to contribute to the reward.

"If there's enough money put up, we will find this person," he said. "Somebody will turn him."

The Humane Society of Tampa Bay is also offering a reward for information. Anyone who knows about the case can call Hillsborough County Animal Services at (813) 744-5660 or e-mail info@hillsboroughcounty.org. Tips can be anonymous.

Lovey will stay at the Florida Veterinary Specialists Brandon office for the next several days, said Nicole Shearer, a certified veterinary technician.

She is okay but on a steady supply of antibiotics by IV, Shearer said. The biggest risk is infection.

The BBs will remain inside her, Shearer said. Her body will wall off the foreign objects and prevent them from doing any more damage.

Once she has recovered, Lovey will be set up in a foster home.

"It's only natural for us to get pretty attached to these cases," Shearer said.

It wasn't clear Thursday whether Lovey would be put up for adoption after that.

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