A Falls Township man has been sentenced and ordered to pay thousands in restitution after pleading guilty to shooting two cats in 2023.
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Shawaun Lakins, 46, was sentenced to four years of probation last month after pleading guilty to aggravated cruelty to animals before Bucks County Court of Common Pleas Judge Jeffrey Finley. The judge ordered Lakins to pay $6,000 in restitution for the medical expenses incurred by the cats’ owner and mandated that Lakins is not allowed to own any domesticated animals, with the exception of chickens.
The charges stemmed from a November 15, 2023, incident near the Aspen Falls Apartments on Trenton Road in Falls Township where two cats, Tootsie and Jackie, were shot.
Tootsie, a white cat, succumbed to injuries after a pellet was discovered lodged near her spine.
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Jackie, a black cat, survived but required surgery to remove a severely damaged eye and still has a pellet embedded in her skull, authorities said.
In response to the attack, the Bucks County SPCA offered a $2,500 reward for information leading to a conviction—the second time such a reward has been issued by the organization.
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The tip that led to Lakins’ identification came from a community member who provided video footage after seeing the case highlighted on social media and local media outlets, according to Bucks County SPCA officials.
“Sadly, BCSPCA is called upon to investigate shootings of owned animals in Bucks County each year. We are so thankful to the community who shared the reward post and news stories on social media. Thanks to the actions of concerned citizens, someone with credible information heard the story and contacted our Humane Law Enforcement team. We also appreciate the cooperation of Falls Township police in this investigation. This case should send a message to anyone who considers shooting or otherwise harming animals in Bucks County,” Bucks County SPCA Executive Director Linda Reider said.
Animal cruelty, including beating, injuring, or killing an animal, is illegal in Pennsylvania. The Bucks County SPCA urges anyone who suspects animal neglect or abuse to contact their cruelty tip line at 844-SPCA-Tip (844-772-2847) or via email at reportcruelty@buckscountyspca.org.
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