CARMEL – The Putnam County SPCA is investigating the shooting of a seven-year-old cat that lives with a family in the Drewville Road area of the Town of Carmel.
Authorities are handling the case as a felony of aggravated cruelty.
They said that sometime between July 2 and 4, the cat was shot by a high-powered pellet or a small caliber bullet. During that time the feline was loose and not observed by its owner.
When “Simon” returned home on the fourth, he suffered an injury to his hind quarters and examination at the Brewster Veterinary Hospital
discovered metal fragments throughout the animal’s mid-section and the projectile cause a broken femur and pelvis.
The vet was able to remove a small fragment of the projectile, but left the remainder so as not to further endanger the pet’s life.
The projectile caused extreme pain, serious physical injury and permanent physical impairment to his hind legs.
He is currently stable and resting at home.
The New York State Humane Association, headquartered in Kingston, is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for shooting Simon. Association President Pat Valusek said those responsible for “this heinous assault on a family pet must be brought to justice.”
All animals are protected under the state’s animal cruelty laws, said Putnam SPCA Chief Ken Ross. “Cats are allowed outside and should not be targeted by anyone.” He said the shooting of any domestic animal, especially in a residential area is “criminal and reckless.”
