Reward offered in killings of 3 boardwalk cats

A advocacy group is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and convictions of three men in the slayings of three Atlantic City Boardwalk cats in March.

Atlantic City police have posted surveillance photos of the suspects on their Facebook page.

Alley Cat Allies, a national cat advocacy group, is offering the reward.

The three cats from the Boardwalk Cats Project were found slain on March 22.

"We are devastated about the loss of these cats, and we're doing everything we can to find out who is behind this cruelty," Alley Cats Allies posted. "The Boardwalk Cats are important not only to us, but the entire Atlantic City community — including residents, tourists, and leaders."

Alley Cat Allies has managed the infamous colony since 2000 through a city-supported trap-neuter-release program. It is one of the better known feral cat success stories in the area. The felines even survived the floods of Hurricane Irene and Sandy.

"Animal cruelty must be taken seriously, and the guilty parties should be punished to the full extent of the law," said Becky Robinson, president and founder of Alley Cat Allies.

Police ask anyone with information to contact the Criminal Investigations Unit at 609-347-5766 or text to tip411 (847411). Begin your text with ACPD.