As police continue searching for whoever is responsible, neighbors say fear is growing each day.
SAN ANTONIO — San Antonio police are investigating a disturbing case of animal cruelty after a pet cat was found shot with what officers say appeared to be a blow dart. The suspect remains at large, and neighbors are left shaken and searching for answers.
Officers were called to the 7100 block of Spring Terrace around 1:30 p.m. on Nov. 28 after a resident discovered an orange dart lodged in their cat’s body. The owner rushed the injured animal to a veterinarian, where the cat underwent emergency surgery for injuries to its spine and lung.
For neighbors like Kaylen Key, the news hit close to home.
“First I was scared it was one of mine,” Key said. “Because my cats go in and out. And I’m an animal lover so I was very sad and disturbed.”
Key, who owns four cats, says the neighborhood is full of outdoor felines and the idea that someone could intentionally harm one is deeply unsettling.
“I was hoping it’s not somebody from my neighborhood,” she said. “Because that’s very malicious and evil.”
As police continue searching for whoever is responsible, residents say fear is growing each day.
“I think it’s despicable. But it can also be scary,” Key added. “Doing violence against an innocent animal that can’t defend, can’t speak, what else are they capable of?”
The cat’s condition has not been released.
Anyone with information about the incident is urged to call SAPD at 210-207-8326.