Investigation Underway in Shooting Death of Rescue Cat in Pleasant Gap

Her owners took her to an emergency veterinarian, where she was euthanized due to the severity of her injuries. Preeka was described as a “former stray who was vaccinated, microchipped and deeply loved” on a poster seeking information about the incident.

Officer Rusnak is investigating the case as aggravated animal cruelty and is currently trying to pinpoint the location of the shooting and the type of firearm used. A bullet remains lodged inside Preeka, and investigators are awaiting its recovery for further examination. “The shot had paralyzed the cat from about the mid-back on, so it was crawling home after it had happened,” Rusnak explained. He mentioned there is footage showing the general direction from where the shot originated.

The shooting is believed to have occurred near Preeka's home, covering areas around Bilger Avenue, Middle Street, Main Street, Whitman Circle, Markle Street, Locust Street, and Jodon Avenue. Rusnak noted that he is expanding the search radius from her residence but believes it likely happened nearby, as cats typically stay close to home.

He reported that he is pursuing several leads and intends to follow up in the area. Additionally, Rusnak is working to get other cats in the vicinity relocated to prevent similar incidents. He has advised residents with outdoor cats to keep them indoors during the investigation.

While he does not believe the shooting targeted people, Rusnak expressed concern about the dangers of discharging a firearm in a densely populated area where children and families are frequently present. “It’s shocking, especially given the area that it occurred in,” he stated. “I’ve spent every day up there; there’s kids and families walking the streets, and there’s a school right down the road.”

Whether this shooting was an isolated event remains uncertain. Rusnak voiced his hope that it was but expressed concern that the individual responsible may have harmed other animals in the past. He stated, “I don’t know what kind of person it takes to do something like that. It’s certainly not normal.”

A reward for information related to the case has reached $600, with contributions from Preeka’s owners, other community members, and matching funds. Rusnak indicated the reward is designated for credible information leading to the identification, arrest, and formal charges against the person responsible. Distribution details will be managed through the Spring Township Police Department.

Any firearm-related violations will be addressed separately by the Spring Township police, while Rusnak’s investigation focuses on the animal cruelty aspect. Under Pennsylvania law, aggravated cruelty to an animal is classified as a third-degree felony when it results in serious bodily injury or death.

As the investigation continues, Rusnak is gathering evidence, including the security camera footage and the bullet recovered from Preeka, aiming to piece together the circumstances surrounding the incident. He became Centre County’s first full-time humane officer in 2024 and is tasked with investigating cases of animal cruelty and neglect across the county.

Anyone with relevant information about the shooting or suspicious activity in the area is encouraged to contact Rusnak at 814-424-4368 or via email. For queries regarding potential firearm violations, the Spring Township Police Department can be reached at 814-355-5134.