WASHINGTON, Utah – A teenage boy has been identified as a possible suspect who shot a cat with an arrow In Nisson Park last week.
Washington City police said tips from the public led them to the teen. It’s still unclear what motivated the shooting, but police said the case will be referred to the juvenile court for possible charges.
Kris Neal, who has been caring for the cat, dubbed “Quiver,” said the news means another win in the fight against animal cruelty.
“I couldn’t stop crying for about 10 minutes,” Neal said about hearing the news. “I was just so happy. Maybe we can get some justice for her and all the other animals that are out there abused.”
Passersby found the stray cat along a nearby walking trail and took her to the Washington County Family Veterinary Clinic. After several surgeries, Quiver pulled through.
“She has gone through surgery not only to have the arrow removed, but to have the hole in the roof of her mouth, they closed that,” Neal said. “Also a hole in her tongue.”
Immediately, police began following up on leads, and rescue groups began offering rewards. Those rewards total over $9,000 and come from different animal groups, hoping to show the public that animal cruelty won’t be tolerated anymore.
“People other than the rescue groups and the shelters and the vets are now seeing it firsthand,” Neal said. “And know what it looks like, how ugly it is.”
Quiver’s recovery is still being monitored, and Neal said she may be able to be adopted in about a month.
