Pregnant cat killed after being shot by arrows in Old Bridge

NEW JERSEY -- A New Jersey organization dedicated to reporting animal abuse reports that the body of a cat was found critically wounded and was later euthanized after being shot with either a crossbow or a bow and arrow.

“One arrow pierced her vital organs in the chest and the other struck her in the hindquarters (meaning she was hit a second time while trying to run away),” Pet Watch NJ said on its Facebook page Saturday. “Upon discovery, she was taken to an emergency vet where her injuries were so severe she was humanely euthanized. A necropsy determined she was also pregnant.”

(Photo by NJ SPCA via Pet Watch NJ)

According to the group, the cat, based on her appearance, may have been someone’s pet, and did not appear to be feral.

The organization said the white adult cat was shot in the Sunset area of Old Bridge. The group is working to obtain information to forward to local police.

“We are urging anyone with ANY information to contact us via message or email (info@pwnj.org) and we will forward the info to the law enforcement officials who are investigating this disturbing and heartbreaking case,” the group’s Facebook post states. “This was an intentional, cruel and wanton act, a FELONY crime against domestic animals, and we need your help to find her killer or killers.”

(Crossbow. Yuriy Kulik, ThinkStock)

Old Bridge Police were contacted Sunday but did not have any additional information regarding the incident.

Libby Williams, founder of Pet Watch, said Sunday that the NJ SPCA is investigating the case along with a detective from the local police department. She said the Facebook post has received a great deal of shares and attention since it was posted and she’s hoping the person responsible for injuring the cat will be located.

In New Jersey, “needlessly killing a live animal” is considered a disorderly persons offense.

(NJ1015 - Dec 27, 2015)