WAKE COUNTY, N.C. — A family in Wake County is seeking answers after their cat, Henry, was shot nearly a week ago in Raleigh. Cheryl Privette, who adopted the tuxedo cat five years ago, says the incident has left her family heartbroken and searching for justice.
Henry went missing on April 11 and did not return home that night. Privette left the garage door open, hoping he would come back, but it wasn’t until the following morning that she found him lying inside.
“I kind of had to pick him up and get him in the house. And then I looked and I had blood on my hand,” Privette told WRAL News.
She rushed Henry to the animal hospital, where staff confirmed the devastating news the next day: someone had shot him. Privette was in shock. “I just broke down crying,” she said. “I could not believe that somebody would shoot Henry.”
The bullet caused serious damage to Henry’s back legs and claws and left fluid in his lungs. The bullet remains inside him, and the family now faces the prospect of more costly surgeries. Privette said they’ve already spent over $6,000 on Henry’s medical care but had to withdraw him from the hospital because they couldn’t afford further treatment.
“There was no way that we could afford an $8,000 or $10,000 surgery on top of what we have already spent,” Privette explained.
The family has filed a report with the Wake County Sheriff’s Office and spoken to animal control. As of Thursday evening, no suspects have been identified.
“We are working with Animal Control to evaluate the circumstances and determine the appropriate next steps in the investigation,” said the Wake County Sheriff’s Office in a statement.
Privette hopes that the shooter is caught soon so her family can feel safe in their home again. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Wake County Sheriff’s Office.
