Reward to catch cat abuser

The front page of the Berwick News on 13 December.

By Callan Date
AN ANIMAL lover has put up a $1000 reward in a bid to help catch the person responsible for sexually abusing a Berwick cat last month.
Businessman Michael Ross was as shocked as anyone when he read about Bullet, a 12-month-old cat, and the torture the innocent feline suffered.
Mr Ross said he felt physically sick as he read the News report detailing Bullet’s injuries that included a dislocated tail, burnt hair and major internal damage as a result of the sexual abuse.
Bullet’s injuries were so extensive he was put down.
“I have a juvenile cat that looks identical to Bullet. It just made my skin creep,” he said.
“I am fortunate enough to be in a position to put up this reward in the hope that it gets someone talking.”
Narre Warren Police are continuing to investigate the crime but have no new leads regarding the incident,which took place on or about Friday 7 December near Bullet’s home in Carluke Close.
Narre Warren Acting Sergeant Glenn Kilburn said only two callers had phoned Crime Stoppers with information about the attack on Bullet.
“We are just relying on people to let us know about any information they may have about the crime,” Act Sgt Kilburn said.
Bullet’s owner Kate Arnol said the pain had eased only slightly since the death of her cat just over a month ago.
“It’s a bit better now,” she said.
Ms Arnol said a family member gave her a kitten as a present for Christmas and that had also helped.
“It is really good that someone has come forward with a reward. I don’t think I will ever fully get over it until the person responsible is caught,” she said.
Veterinarian Joanne Gill, who treated Bullet after he was brought into the South Eastern Animal Emergency Centre in Hallam, said the injuries were the worst she had come across in 14 years of working with animals.
“I would have to say this is one of the most severe and horrific cases of animal cruelty I have ever seen,” Ms Gill said at the time.
Mr Ross said the money would be placed in a trust fund, which would be held by a solicitor, with other people also able to donate funds.
“Hopefully it (the reward) leads to someone coming forward and giving some information to the police.
“If the reward is not claimed after one year then the money will be automatically donated to the RSPCA Victoria animal cruelty unit.”
Anyone with any information about the crime is asked to contact Narre Warren Police on 9705 3111 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 and remain anonymous.