The reward for information leading to a prosecution over the fatal shooting of a Mount Maunganui cat has doubled to $4000, with $1000 contributions from the owner and a Pāpāmoa man.

Weekend Sun and Bay of Plenty Times reporter Rosalie Liddle Crawford’s 3-year-old cat Clyde was shot with a gun between 6pm on May 11 and 6am on May 12 near her Mount Maunganui home.

Clyde suffered multiple injuries and underwent extensive surgery on May 12, but despite the veterinary team at Koru Vets’ efforts, he was euthanised two days later.

Last week, the animal welfare charity PAW Justice and PD Pet Insurance joined forces to post a $2000 reward for information leading to the conviction of the person who fatally shot Clyde.

The police investigation is ongoing.

PAW Justice co-founder Craig Dunn said Paw Justice was incredibly grateful to see the community rally behind Clyde and his family during this heartbreaking time.

“The generosity and compassion shown by members of the public have been overwhelming, and the reward fund now reaching $4000 shows just how much people care.

“Even the smallest piece of information could help bring answers and justice for Clyde.”

PD Insurance NZ, Liddle Crawford’s insurer, made the reward offer after the company paid Liddle Crawford’s insurance claim in full.

A Pāpāmoa resident recently approached Liddle Crawford with an offer to boost the reward by $1000.

Clyde, 3, was shot with a firearm near his Mount Maunganui home and was euthanised on May 14. Photo / Rosalie Liddle Crawford

The resident, who has asked not to be named, said he was appalled and “disgusted” about the shooting and felt compelled to support Liddle Crawford and the police in their efforts to track down Clyde’s killer.

“I live 10 minutes down the road from her and have a ragdoll cat the same age as Clyde, and also adopted the mother’s 7-month-old kitten. My heart goes out to Rosalie for her devastating loss.

“I hope the increased reward will help tip the scales in encouraging someone to help the police with their inquiries to find the shooter and stop them from harming another defenceless animal.”

Reporter Rosalie Liddle Crawford with her beloved cat Clyde, who was euthanised on May 14 after a gunshot caused horrific injuries. Photo / Rosalie Liddle Crawford

Liddle Crawford said she decided to contribute $1000 to the reward fund because Clyde’s death had not only affected her and her other cat, Sushi, but also many other people in her community.

“Since sharing Clyde’s story, I’ve heard from other cat owners in my neighbourhood who are now frightened, wondering if their own cats could be next.”

Seeing Clyde’s injuries and the pain he went through was devastating, she said.

“No pet owner should ever have to witness something like that. Koru Vets did everything they could, going well beyond their original $5000 estimate to give him the best possible care.

“I’ll always be incredibly grateful for that. I know $4000 is a lot of money, but if it helps bring forward information that prevents another animal from suffering, then it’s worth it.”

Clyde, a ragdoll cat, was euthanised at Koru Vets Mount Maunganui clinic on May 14 after being shot with a gun. Photo / Rosalie Liddle Crawford

Liddle Crawford said she was fortunate to have her vet bills covered by insurance, and wanted to do something practical to help.

“I don’t want other families or our local vets to be faced with more cats suffering from gunshot injuries.

“More than anything, I don’t want another family to go through the fear, heartbreak, and trauma that we experienced with Clyde.”

A Givealittle page set up in Clyde’s memory by Liddle Crawford for animal charity RRR – Rescue, Revive and Rehome – to support injured animals needing emergency veterinary care, has so far raised more than $2000.

A police spokesperson said the police were continuing their inquiries and encouraged anyone with information to phone 105 or anonymously call Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111, referencing 260513/6073.

Sandra Conchie is a senior journalist at the Bay of Plenty Times and Rotorua Daily Post and has been a journalist for 25 years. She mainly covers police, court and other justice stories, as well as general news. She has been a Canon Media Awards regional/community reporter of the year.