Cary seeks justice for cat shot with crossbow

Cary Animal Control found the gray male tabby cat shot in the 200 block of Hampton Lee Court near the Hermitage at Beechtree apartment community on Tuesday. Neighbors at the complex alerted authorities about the cat.

The arrow, which went through its eye and came out of its neck, had been in there about four days, authorities said. 

"It went in through his left eye and kind of in the corner and actually the internal part of the eye had come out," said veterinarian Lori Perrow, of Lake Pine Animal Hospital in Apex, who treated the cat after it was brought in. 

Cary Animal Control Supervisor Shelly Davis believes the cat was intentionally shot. 

"Hopefully when or if they are charged, there will be a stiffer penalty for that person because there was intent," Davis said.

"I feel that Susie's Law has helped encourage animal control officers to want to work harder at charging people rather than feeling that they are wasting time," Davis said. 

The cat might suffer from sinus problems and snore but should have no major problems, Perrow said.

The day after his surgery, Bullseye was bumping the damaged side of his head affectionately against the veterinarians, Perrow said. 

"It makes us feel like he is grateful," Perrow said. "Whether or not that's it, we feel like he appreciates what we've done for him." 

Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact Cary Police at 919-469-4012 or Crime Stoppers at 919-226-2746. Crime Stoppers pays up to $2,500 for information leading to the arrest or indictment of those responsible for committing certain types of crimes. All calls will be kept confidential at the caller's request.

"This cat, now that it's not in pain, is a friendly, loving cat," Davis said. "I don't see how somebody can look at an animal that probably approached that person and then harm them in that way and then walk away as if nothing happened."