'Shocking Animal Cruelty': $5,000 Reward For Info After Turtle, Rabbit Shot With Crossbow

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MARBLEHEAD (CBS) -- An animal advocacy group is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of whoever is responsible for shooting a turtle and a rabbit with a crossbow. The incidents happened in Marblehead in early June.

Marblehead police said that in an act of "shocking animal cruelty," a turtle was found shot with an arrow on June 1 between the Tower School and electrical substation. Days later on June 4, animal control responded to the same area where someone spotted a rabbit shot with an arrow.

The turtle named Timmy by rescuers is expected to make a full recovery at the Turtle Rescue League in Southboro. The rabbit ran away before it could be helped.

The turtle shot with a crossbow (Photo credit: Animal Legal Defense Fund)

"In Massachusetts, it is a felony offense to knowingly and willingly inflict cruelty to an animal," the Animal Legal Defense Fund said in a statement.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 781-631-1212.