Cat Dies From Gun Shot Wound in Patterson; Putnam SPCA Hunts for Answers
A cat owned by a Putnam Lake resident died four days after its owner reported that the feline had been shot while outside.
The Putnam County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) reported that at around 4 p.m. on Feb. 7 a Rutland Drive resident contacted the organization after he saw that his cat had been shot while it was outside and was severely injured.
Upon arrival officers of the Putnam County SPCA observed a 7-month-old black and brown calico female cat named “Blackfoot” with what appeared to be an entrance wound near the neck area. The cat also appeared to be paralyzed from its mid-section down.
SPCA officers immediately transported the injured cat to the Westchester Animal Hospital for examination. There Dr. Robert Jiao examined the injured cat and an x-ray revealed what appeared to be a metal projectile imbedded in the dorsal thoracic area of the spine.
It is believed that the projectile may have been shot at the cat with either a high powered BB Gun or a low caliber rifle.
Dr. Jiao also found a second spinal fracture which, in his opinion, could only have been caused by severe blunt force trauma.
The examination’s findings revealed that not only was the cat shot with a high powered metal projectile, but was also struck with force in the spine causing the second fracture.
The cat remained under veterinary care until the morning of Feb.11 when the cat died due to progressive paralyzation at the Westchester Animal Hospital.
The Putnam County SPCA officers have spoken with numerous residents of the Rutland Drive area in Putnam Lake asking for information in regards to this incident.
“Although many feel that feral cats may be a nuisance, it is a crime to harm these animals,” said Chief Ken Ross of the Putnam County SPCA. “Owned cats, under the law are allowed to roam outside, and when someone takes matters into their own hands, not only are they committing animal cruelty, they may end injuring their neighbor’s child or pet.”
The Putnam County SPCA will institute patrols in the area in hopes that it will serve as a deterrent to prevent additional acts of cruelty.
The Putnam County SPCA is asking for the public’s assistance with finding whoever committed this crime. Calls can remain confidential. The Putnam County SPCA’s 24 hour animal cruelty hotline is 845-520-6915 or go online to www.spcaputnam.org.
In August of 2012, a severed head of a brown tabby cat was found staged in the intersection of Garfield Drive and Quogue Road in the Putnam Lake area, approximately one half mile away.
Adam has worked in the local news industry for the past two decades in Westchester County and the broader Hudson Valley. Read more from Adam’s author bio here.
