In a distressing incident, a beloved family cat named Cutie has endured serious injuries after being shot with a pellet gun in Simcoe, Ontario. The cat’s ordeal began when Cutie escaped through an inadvertently left-open front door, marking her first venture outdoors in her four years.
After an anxious search, the family discovered Cutie hiding under a bush in Percy Carter Park, adjacent to their property, on the evening of October 4. Natasha Crook, Cutie’s owner, shared her relief, saying, “I had actually kind of given up that evening… We cut through the back field that goes behind our house for one last little search, then Nugget, my golden retriever, he started to pull me toward a bush. I grabbed my flashlight and I saw her (Cutie’s) green eye shine back at me.”
However, the joy of finding their missing pet quickly turned to concern when the family noticed something protruding from Cutie’s back. It resembled a nail or a screw. This discovery led to a chilling suspicion that Cutie may have been intentionally harmed.
The family promptly rushed Cutie to the Brant Norfolk Veterinary Clinic, the only available emergency after-hours care in Brantford, as it was 9 p.m. when they found her.
The clinic’s X-rays revealed a distressing truth – Cutie had been shot with a pellet gun, with seven pellets embedded in her body, including one through an eye. The veterinarians estimated that this traumatic incident occurred on October 2.
Despite having feared dangers like coyotes and dogs in their neighborhood, the revelation that someone had intentionally harmed their cat introduced a new level of fear for the Crook family.
The Norfolk Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) issued a media release indicating an ongoing investigation and seeking public assistance in this case. The Crooks have also approached neighbors, asking them to review their surveillance videos to help identify any suspicious activity.
While the incident has led to feelings of guilt, particularly concerning the open door through which Cutie ventured, the family is determined to fight for her recovery. Cutie has undergone surgery, with three pellets still remaining in her body.
To cover the significant veterinary bills, Natasha Crook initiated a GoFundMe campaign titled ‘Cutie whose been shot.’ The community’s generous donations have already raised $4,295 of their $6,000 goal, providing essential support during this challenging time.
The incident has highlighted the importance of raising awareness about pet safety and advocating for responsible ownership in the community.
