Authorities in Erin, Tennessee, have charged three individuals in connection with the alleged shooting of stray cats with blow darts. Darlene Hooper was arrested Tuesday and faces three felony counts of aggravated cruelty to animals, as well as two counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Two juveniles have also been charged with aggravated cruelty to animals in Houston County Juvenile Court.
The incidents came to light after Proverbs 12:10 Animal Rescue was alerted to a deceased cat and an injured kitten near the Honeysuckle Exxon gas station. A volunteer subsequently discovered several other dead cats bearing injuries consistent with being shot by blow darts.
One surviving cat, named Xena, was found with a dart lodged in her torso. A surgeon indicated that the projectile narrowly missed vital organs, with a shift of one millimeter potentially leading to the severance of her spine or aorta. Xena underwent CT scans and emergency surgery and was later discharged wearing a full-body cast. The rescue organization stated that her emergency treatment is projected to cost over $10,000 and has launched a donation appeal.
Proverbs 12:10 Animal Rescue initially reported that approximately 25 to 30 cats had inhabited the wooded area behind the gas station, but only nine remained. The organization also noted that some cats reportedly died from similar injuries, with others showing signs of fur removal. The group had offered a $1,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.
Investigators reportedly recovered a blow dart gun and a collection of darts believed to have been used in the attacks.