Salem cat murderer: Fourth suspect arrested

A teenager suspected of shooting a cat in Salem, Oregon, last month has been arrested, police said.

The 16-year-old boy was the fourth person arrested after officers responded to reports that a pet cat had been shot on the morning of May 10.

A nearby surveillance system recorded the incident. According to police, the recording shows one of the teenagers shooting the cat several times.

Newsweek has emailed Salem Police asking for more information.

The 16-year-old was taken into custody at his home on charges of first-degree aggravated animal cruelty and subsequently booked into the Marion County Juvenile Detention Center.

On June 12, Salem Police announced that a 15-year-old boy was taken into custody at his northeast Salem residence and transported to the Marion County Juvenile Justice Department.

He was arrested on charges including first-degree aggravated cruelty to animals, tampering with evidence and obstructing a peace officer.

Two 17-year-olds were arrested in connection with the June 4 incident. Both were charged with first-degree aggravated cruelty to animals. One of them was also charged with tampering with evidence. Both were referred to the Marion County Juvenile Justice Department.

Salem police said they have received tips on the case, but continue to ask anyone with information to call the tip line at 503-588-8477.

According to a 2023 report by the Animal Legal Defense Fund, a nonprofit organization that seeks to protect animals from harm through litigation, legislation and education, Oregon ranks third among the best states in animal protection laws.

The group pointed to the state’s animal protection measures, such as increased penalties for repeat animal cruelty, the fact that animals can be protected by domestic violence protection orders, and that civilians in Oregon enjoy immunity when they rescue animals trapped in unattended vehicles when the animal in question is in imminent danger to its health or life.

The report ranked Illinois second and Maine first.

According to surveys conducted by the U.S. Humane Society, the majority of people who intentionally mistreat animals are under 30 years old, while those who hoard animals tend to be women over 60.

The group also states that cats, dogs, horses and livestock are the animals most commonly reported to be abused.

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