The Humane Law Enforcement Division of Providence Animal Center in Delaware County are searching for a person who shot a cat with a bow and arrow over the weekend, Your Content has learned.
The incident — described as ‘horrific’ — unraveled in the area of 2nd and Main Street in Darby Borough where neighbors say a wounded cat crawled to a person for help after being shot with a bow and arrow.
According to a resident who was briefed on the situation by her frightened neighbor, police and local animal control were called … but ‘were of no help.’
“The Darby Police said it wasn’t their problem [and] to call animal control,” wrote Mary Burke, referring to one of her neighbors who was on the phone with Delaware County 911. “She then called animal control and they said there wasn’t anything they can do.”
That’s when they called Providence Animal Center for help … and they responded immediately.
“Our Humane Law Enforcement team was there to rescue him, and our medical team saved him,” Providence Animal Shelter wrote on Facebook. “If you have any information about who was involved in this horrific act of animal cruelty, please report it to our team at [email protected].”
But neighbors tell Your Content there’s more … a black cat was spotted in the same area about two months ago, an eyewitness saying the cat appeared ‘skinned.’
“About 2 months ago a black cat was walking around with a large piece of skin hanging off its side neck and shoulder like it was skinned,” Burke told Your Content. “No justice for the cat that was shot with an arrow because nobody will investigate.”
Burke noted the cat was not shot in that intersection, but wound up there after the incident likely because a neighbor feeds stray cats and it’s a known ‘safe haven’ in case of hunger.
“That’s where he was found but I don’t know where it was shot or how far it came before it stopped at the lady’s porch,” she continued.
“The fact that the police or animal control was really going to just leave the cat to die,” Burke continued.
Luckily for the little guy, officials at Providence Animal Center are determined to catch the culprit responsible. They’re asking anyone with information or potential footage from a Ring device or similar to contact them.
“We are unable to share additional details regarding this ongoing investigation. Beau is in stable condition and we welcome contributions to his recovery at ProvidenceAC.org,” Justina Calgiano, Director of Advancement and Public Relations for Providence Animal Center told Your Content.
“Anyone with information as to who may have been involved in this horrific act of animal cruelty should please contact Providence Animal Center’s Humane Law Enforcement team at 610-566-1370 x 214 or [email protected].”
What’s more, an officer from the Humane Law Enforcement Division gave the adorable guy a new name.
“Officer Riggle named our survivor Beau. The arrow has been removed, and he’s doing as well as can be expected thanks to some amazing lifesavers. Thank you for the kindness and support!”
📸: Photos of Beau, Courtesy of Providence Animal Center
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