by Alex Lloyd Gross
When a new inmate goes to prison, other inmates will want to know about them What did they do, what are they in for. If it’s child molestation or animal abuse, that inmate is going to have a hard time. Shawaun Lakins, 45 is about to find that out firsthand. He was arrested for allegedly shooting two cats in Falls Township, Bucks County last month.
An arrest was made quickly, as people are disgusted and outraged at the senseless act of animal cruelty , allegedly perpetrated by a 45 year old male that should know better. Video footage of the shooting was forwarded to the SPCA Police that shows Lakins in a trench coat, conceal something, gunshots are heard and cats are observed running away.
Lakins was arrested when someone dimed him out, stepped up to get the reward that was offered. 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.
A white cat named Tootsie was shot and killed. Radiographs taken at a vet hospital identified a pellet lodged near the cat’s spine. A black cat named Jackie was shot and required surgery to remove her badly damaged eye. A pellet is still lodged in the left side of her skull near her left eye, but the pellet could not be removed safely due to the location.
Animal Cruelty is a third degree felony and that is punishable by up to seven years in prison. Due to the fact that a gun was involved, Lakins could see those charges added on and do additional jail time, even if the gun did not shoot bullets, authorities said. .