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Army offers payout for shell that killed cat

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP, N.J. - The Army has offered a northern New Jersey family over $7,300 to compensate for damages from wayward artillery shell shrapnel that crashed through their roof in 2008, causing the death of their cat.

The 2-pound fragment traveled more than a mile from Picatinny Arsenal and punched a hole in the roof of Frederick Angle's Jefferson Township home.

The hot piece of metal landed on the bed of Angle's then-10-year-old stepdaughter, who wasn't home.

But the family's cat was on the bed and had to be euthanized.

Artillery shell strikes house, kills cat

According to The Daily Record of Parsippany, the government's offer covers $780 for the care and euthanization of the cat; $4,919 to repair damage to the roof; and $1,687 to replace bedroom furniture.

Angle tells The Daily Record of Parsippany the offer - which does not cover severe emotional distress - is a "kick in the teeth" and he plans to reject it.

The Army claims service denied any compensation for emotional distress.

Picatinny spokesman Tim Rider said major steps were taken after the 2008 incident to ensure it could not happen again.

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