This alert is no longer active, but here for reference. Read update here.

Update: 5/12/2025 alert closed - charges against Gramling were dropped by the cat's guardian in return for dropping a counter-charge. Thank you for your efforts to call for justice. Please sign urgent justice for animals alerts here: www.idausa.org/getjustice

A Mississippi man has been arrested and charged with animal cruelty for cruelly killing a cat with a crossbow. Demand maximum sentencing in this case!

Residents of Poplarville have been frustrated by the violent deaths of several local cats. On January 30, 2025, one was found fatally shot with a crossbow. According to the Poplarville Police Department, it conducted an investigation, and with the help of community members setting up a reward fund, it was able to identify the suspect.

On February 4, Justen Michael Gramling was arrested and charged with felony aggravated animal cruelty.

It's unknown if Gramling is the one responsible for killing the cats who were previously shot, but Police Chief Chad Dorn expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to a reward fund, which was donated to the Pearl River County SPCA to be used to spay/neuter over 30 community cats.

Letter to Decision Maker(s) for reference:

Subject: Crossbow Cat Killer Must Face Justice

I am writing to you in support of the prosecution of Justen Michael Gramling who was arrested and charged with animal cruelty for maliciously killing a neighbor’s cat with a crossbow.

Gramling deserves strong sentencing for his perverse crime that includes the maximum allowed jail time, must be ordered to undergo a mental health evaluation and treatment, and be prohibited from interactions with animals for the rest of his life.

I will be following this case to its fruition and ask that you share my letter and the signatures attached to the presiding judge.

Sincerely,

Signed

This alert is no longer active, but here for reference. Read update here.