Edmond cat shot, has leg amputated; Investigation underway

OKLAHOMA -- An investigation is underway after a cat was shot in Edmond.

The 2-year-old cat, Claire, had to have her left leg amputated.

She was treated at the Gentle Care Animal Hospital, where a veterinarian determined a .22 caliber bullet is likely the culprit after finding an entrance and exit wound among shattered bones.

“I’m enraged,” said Vicki Adkins, the cat’s caregiver. “Absolutely enraged that somebody would do this.”

Adkins is a volunteer with the Community Cat Coalition of Edmond.

She took care of Claire’s mother – a feral cat – through the nonprofit's Trap, Neuter and Release (TNR) program. Claire was born about two years ago and Adkins has provided food and shelter for Claire in her backyard ever since.

This weekend, however, Claire did not come home. A couple of days later, Claire crawled back home with her injured leg dangling. She was dehydrated and on the verge of death.

“If they had a problem with her coming in their yard there’s other ways to take care of that than shooting an innocent animal,” Adkins said.

The shooter did not just take a leg from Claire, but her freedom, too.

“She will be an inside cat from now on,” Adkins said. “She just cannot go out and protect herself.”

According to Edmond Animal Services, an officer has been assigned to investigate.

If you’d like to contribute to Claire’s medical bills, you can do so via PayPal if you list edmondcats@gmail.com as the recipient. Donations can also be mailed to CCCE, P.O. Box 30984 Edmond, OK 73003.

As of Friday, more than $400 of $859 has been raised.

(KOCO - Nov 6, 2015)