The Great Outdoors? Not for Cats! 2020
Below is just a sampling of some of the horrible fates that have befallen stray, feral, and free-roaming cats. Countless others have died frightened and alone under porches or behind dumpsters, without anyone ever noticing what became of them.
December 2020/Montney, British Columbia, Canada: CBC.ca reported that an apparently homeless kitten had been found by a truck driver frozen to the road. According to the report, the driver saw the kitten just before she was run over by another vehicle. When he retrieved her, he found that she had become frozen onto the roadway. She was taken to a veterinary hospital for treatment of hypothermia, a badly fractured leg, and wounds from road rash, according to an animal adoption group that had apparently agreed to pay for her care.
December 2020/Richland, Pennsylvania: TribLive.com reported that a cat who was apparently allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had begun biting and scratching members of a family that was fostering the animal. The cat died or was euthanized before testing positive for rabies. According to the report, “All of the foster family members are seeking treatment for possible exposure to the virus.” No additional information was available.
December 2020/Parker County, Texas: WFAA.com reported that a homeless cat had attacked three people before he was captured, was euthanized, and tested positive for rabies. According to the report, “a 21-year-old woman was bitten by an adult feral male yellow tabby cat while trying to interact with [the animal]. … Two days later, officials said a 74-year-old man was attacked in his front yard by the same cat and bitten numerous times.” An animal control officer was also attacked by the cat. No additional information was available.
December 2020/Red Bluff, California: RedBluffDailyNews.com reported that authorities had received a report that a “stray cat was attacked and badly injured by a dog.” No additional information was available.
December 2020/Graniteville, South Carolina: WRDW.com reported that a homeless cat had died or was euthanized before testing positive for rabies. No additional information was available.
December 2020/Escambia County, Florida: WKRG.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been strangled until he or she was unconscious by a neighbor. The cat’s owner reportedly “said she walked outside to see [the suspect] choking the cat then throwing [the animal] into a bush. The neighbor said [the suspect] told her the cat scratched him. She thought the cat was dead because [he or she] was unresponsive, but [the animal] eventually regained consciousness and was taken to a vet’s office.” The suspect was arrested and charged with felony cruelty to animals. No additional information was available.
December 2020/Tampa, Florida: WTSP.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been attacked and killed by a dog who was being walked on a leash. The cat’s owner reportedly said that she looked out a window and saw “probably the most horrific thing I’ve ever seen in my entire life. Our cat was in the mouth of a dog. And the dog was ripping [him] apart. … I quickly grabbed a garden hose and sprayed the dog; the dog let go.” The cat was taken to a veterinary hospital, where he died hours later. The dog’s owner reportedly told authorities that “the cat made an aggressive act toward the dog hissing and striking. And that caused [the dog] to attack the cat.” The dog’s owner was reportedly “cited under Hillsborough County’s vicious dog ordinance and does have a court appearance set for January.”
December 2020/Erie, Pennsylvania: ErieNewsNow.com reported that an apparently homeless cat had become trapped inside the chimney of home for more than 36 hours. Responding to a call for assistance, city firefighters “knocked out the chimney wall to free the cat,” who was found “terrified, dehydrated” and “barely breathing,” according to the animal adoption group where she was taken for veterinary care, including “oxygen and fluids to keep her alive.” She was apparently expected to survive.
December 2020/Baltimore, Maryland: BaltimoreSun.com reported that a cat described as a “working cat” who had been given to a business by a public animal shelter had been attacked and killed by a roaming dog. The shelter had reportedly deemed the cat not “suited for indoor living” and suggested that the business use her for “rodent and pest” control. Her fatal attack was captured on surveillance footage. No additional information was available.
December 2020/Grand Traverse County, Michigan: UpNorthLive.com reported that a man had pleaded guilty to attempting to drown a homeless cat whom he had caught in a box trap. According to the report, “During sentencing [the offender’s] attorney said the feral cat killed a bird and [the offender] was trying to protect the wildlife.” A witness reportedly saw him attempting to drown the cat and called authorities. According to an earlier report, the cat survived and received treatment for hypothermia. The offender was reportedly “sentenced to one year of probation and five days of community service in lieu of ten days in jail.”
December 2020/Norridgewock, Maine: CentralMaine.com reported that a cat who had reportedly “slipped out the door” and went missing for four days had returned home badly injured. He was taken to a veterinary hospital, where a veterinarian reportedly “determined someone had stomped on the kitten, crushing both hips.” He had to undergo two surgeries and was expected to survive. It wasn’t reported whether authorities were notified, but no suspects were identified.
December 2020/Franklin, New Jersey: Patch.com reported that a family had taken in “a sick feral kitten.” The animal was later taken to a public animal shelter, which transferred him or her to a veterinary hospital. The kitten apparently exhibited symptoms of rabies and was euthanized before testing positive for the virus. No additional information was available.
December 2020/New Rochelle, New York: Patch.com reported that a resident “had been caring for” a sick, homeless kitten before taking him or her to an animal adoption group. The kitten bit a worker at the group before dying or being euthanized and tested positive for rabies. According to the report, “Health officials said the employee is being treated for rabies exposure, and the resident is being evaluated for rabies exposure.” No additional information was available.
December 2020/Round Lake, New York: News10.com reported that an apparently homeless cat had been found buried in snow under a vehicle when the vehicle’s owner removed snow from it after a storm. The animal was reportedly “scared, exhausted and freezing” and was taken to an animal adoption group, where he was “diagnosed with low blood count, anemia and feline leukemia.” He was apparently receiving care.
December 2020/Livonia, New York: 13WHAM.com reported that two homeless cats who were part of a “colony” had been killed in a fight with a rabid raccoon at the site where they were evidently being fed. No additional information was available.
December 2020/Titusville, Florida: FloridaToday.com reported that a cat who was homeless or allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had died or was euthanized before testing positive for rabies. The report also said that a “cat tested positive for rabies in January 2020, after biting and scratching a Palm Bay woman, as she tried to trap the cat for a trap, neuter, release program. The attack triggered a 60-day rabies alert in the area.” No additional information was available.
December 2020/St. Anthony, Idaho: EastIdahoNews.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been found dead outside a neighbor’s door, “surrounded in frozen blood.” While investigating, authorities reportedly “noticed a zip-tie around the cat’s neck and found a knife on the floor.” According to an investigator’s report, the neighbor said he found the cat “flopping around” on a road and took the animal to his residence where he “attempted to strangle [the animal] by hand, but the cat scratched him. … He said he then put a zip tie around the cat’s neck and pulled it tight. He said he also stabbed [the animal] in the neck then discarded the cat outside.” He was arrested and charged with cruelty to animals among other charges.
December 2020/West Haven, Connecticut: Patch.com reported that a cat who was homeless or allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been found injured. He was taken to a veterinary hospital for treatment. No additional information was available.
December 2020/Pulaski, Virginia: WDBJ7.com reported that an apparently homeless cat had been found with an arrow through the body. The animal was taken to a veterinary hospital, where X-rays showed that “[t]he arrow had entered into the cat’s shoulder and had gone all the way through the chest cavity,” according to authorities. The animal had to be euthanized because of the extent of the injuries. Anyone with information about the shooting was asked to contact authorities, but no suspects were identified.
December 2020/Medina, New York: WGRZ.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been injured by a steel-jaw trap. He was apparently surrendered to an animal adoption group because his owner couldn’t afford medical treatment for him. The cat reportedly “suffered a compound fracture to his front paw,” which had to be amputated. It wasn’t reported whether the trap had been legally set or if authorities were investigating.
December 2020/Manhattan, Kansas: WIBW.com reported that the “partial remains” of a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been found and turned over to authorities. They were sent for a necropsy that reportedly found that the animal “had suffered blunt force trauma to the head prior to his body being cut in half.” Anyone with information about the cat’s death was asked to call the animal control department, but no suspects were identified.
December 2020/Bumpass, Virginia: TheCentralVirginian.com reported that a resident “said his cat was eating on the patio … when a hunting dog appeared ‘out of nowhere’ and dragged the cat to the woods.” The cat reportedly later returned with injuries. No additional information was available.
December 2020/North Charleston, South Carolina: Live5News.com reported that an apparently homeless kitten had been found injured. He was taken to an animal adoption group, where it was found that he’d been shot and was in “severe pain.” A spokesperson for the group said, “The pellet pierced the kitten’s spine, causing paralysis.” He had to be euthanized because of the extent of the injuries. It wasn’t reported whether authorities were investigating, but no suspects were identified.
December 2020/Jackson, Tennessee: WBBJTV.com reported that residents of one neighborhood said that during a period of several weeks, a pack of homeless dogs had killed more than 24 cats who were allowed to roam outdoors without supervision. One cat owner said seven cats had been fatally attacked on her property. She also witnessed an attack on a neighbor’s cat. “At 4:30 one morning, I heard the dogs. … They were out in the middle of the street with the neighbor’s cat, just shaking [the animal] to death. I ran out towards them and said, ‘Stop! Stop!’ They dropped [the cat] and tore off running,” she said. Authorities were reportedly trying to capture the dogs.
December 2020/Loudoun County, Virginia: LoudounNow.com reported that “[i]n an eight month-span, at least 10 cats have been shot in Loudoun, five of [whom] have succumbed to their injuries.” The latest cat had reportedly sustained “catastrophic injuries” as a result of being shot with a pellet gun and had to be euthanized. Authorities were investigating, but no suspects were identified.
December 2020/Strasburg, Virginia: WHSV.com reported that a homeless “small, possibly feral, black cat attacked several people.” The animal tested positive for rabies after being “captured and died two days later.” No additional information was available.
December 2020/Dallas, Texas: DFW.CBSLocal.com reported that a cat who was homeless or allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been found with a gunshot wound. The animal reportedly died from the injuries sustained. Authorities were investigating, but no suspects were identified. No additional information was available.
December 2020/Westminster, Maryland: BaltimoreSun.com reported that a homeless kitten had died or was euthanized before testing positive for rabies. No additional information was available.
November 2020/Davis, California: DavisEnterprise.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision and described as “semi-feral” had been found badly burned after a wildfire. His owners had reportedly been able to evacuate with 11 cats, but one had died in the fire, another was still missing months later, and the cat who was found burned had to be hospitalized for three months for treatment for “burns to his feet, face, ears, hind limb and tail.” He was expected to survive.
November 2020/Comal County, Texas: FOXSanAntonio.com reported that two apparently homeless cats had died or were euthanized before testing positive for rabies. No additional information was available.
November 2020/Seville, Florida: News-JournalOnline.com reported that an apparently homeless cat had died or was euthanized before testing positive for rabies. No additional information was available.
November 2020/Scottsdale, Arizona: NewsWest9.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been found injured. Her owner reportedly said he found the animal limping and that one of her paws “was just emaciated.” He said that she screamed when he “went to grab her.” She was taken to a veterinary hospital, where it was found that she’d been shot with a pellet gun and a projectile had severed the bones in her leg, which had to be amputated. It wasn’t reported whether authorities were notified, but no suspects were identified.
November 2020/Boston, Massachusetts: WHDH.com reported that a cat who was homeless or allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been found crying and badly burned under the hood of a vehicle. He was taken to an animal shelter, where a spokesperson reportedly said he had “suffered severe burns from a car engine while seeking shelter on a frigid fall evening.” He required “several surgeries to clean and eventually close the wounds.” The spokesperson said, “We’ve been treating him with tissue debridement procedures—removal of dead tissue so that new tissue may heal—as well as with bandaging, antibiotics and pain medication, and even though some of the wounds have not closed because of their size or location, we’re hoping they will eventually heal.” No additional information was available.
November 2020/Hamilton Township, New Jersey: MichigansThumb.com reported that a homeless cat had been found badly injured on a road. The cat bit an animal control officer when the animal was being contained and tested positive for rabies after being euthanized because of the extent of the injuries. The officer received post-exposure rabies treatment. No additional information was available.
November 2020/Van Wert, Ohio: TimesBulletin.com reported that a homeless kitten had been found lying on a road, unable to move. A passerby took her to a veterinary hospital, where she reportedly “didn’t move for three or four days …. She could only move her eyes. She was pretty much paralyzed. She was very dehydrated from laying in the road for so long with no water …. She also had fleas so they were sucking some life out of her,” according to a spokesperson for an animal adoption group to which she was eventually transferred. After several days of treatment, the kitten reportedly “started to get feeling back” and began to move around. She has since recovered. The group had reportedly “taken in many injured kittens this year including kittens with broken legs, kittens with severe eye infections that caused the eyes to need to be removed, kittens with skin pulled away from their lip, a kitten missing a leg, and various other injuries.”
November 2020/Oshkosh, Wisconsin: NBC26.com reported that an apparently homeless cat had been found “suffering from traumatic injuries.” He was taken to an animal adoption group, where a spokesperson said that “his eyes were crusted with blood but it wasn’t apparent exactly what his injuries were” when he was admitted. He was taken to a veterinary hospital, where X-rays reportedly showed that he’d been shot in the face and “the bullet traveled from his forehead near his eye down through his [palate] and damaged his jaw before lodging in his shoulder.” He was expected to undergo surgery “soon.” It wasn’t reported whether authorities were investigating, but no suspects were identified.
November 2020/Fresno, California: KMPH.com reported that an apparently homeless cat had been shot in the face with a BB gun. A resident said that she found the animal at her back door, crying and in pain. She took the cat to a veterinary hospital, which transferred him or her to an animal shelter. A spokesperson for the shelter reportedly said that “[t]he cat will be undergoing x-rays to find out whether there are any additional pellets.” Authorities were apparently not investigating, and no suspects were identified. No additional information was available.
November 2020/Conowingo, Maryland: WBALTV.com reported that two homeless cats who were purportedly “part of a managed feral colony” had been found shot to death. Authorities were investigating, but no suspects were identified. No additional information was available.
November 2020/Dallas, Texas: NBCDFW.com reported that authorities reported that a citizen had found an injured, apparently homeless cat. According to the report, “Police said the cat was suffering from a gunshot wound caused by an unknown suspect.” Anyone with information about the shooting was asked to contact authorities, but no suspects were identified. No additional information was available.
November 2020/Commercial Township, New Jersey: WPGTalkRadio.com reported that an apparently homeless cat had been found dragging herself along the side of a road, unable to stand or walk. She was taken to a veterinary hospital, where an X-ray showed that she’d been shot. Veterinarians reportedly “determined her spinal cord had been pierced by a bullet and she is now paralyzed from the mid-section down.” Authorities reportedly claimed that she was “resting comfortably at their clinic.” Officials were investigating, but no suspects were identified.
November 2020/Branford, Connecticut: Patch.com reported that authorities had found an apparently homeless cat who had been hit by a car. He was taken to a veterinary hospital, where he was receiving treatment for a broken pelvis. No additional information was available.
November 2020/Baltimore, Maryland: WBALTV.com reported that a homeless kitten had died or was euthanized before testing positive for rabies. No additional information was available.
November 2020/Orlando, Florida: FOX35Orlando.com reported that a homeless cat who had been fed by a resident died after he or she was hit by a car. According to a witness, the car didn’t slow down or stop.
November 2020/Pocatello, Idaho: IdahoStateJournal.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been found after returning home, “lying on the couch with blood pooling around her and a trail of blood leading to her resting spot.” According to her owner, the animal was taken to a veterinary hospital, where she underwent surgery to remove fragments of a pellet shot from a gun. “The pellet the vet removed this last time had a red pointed tip that’s designed to penetrate and cause the pellet to mushroom,” the owner said. “This last time the pellet lodged itself near her vertebrae and caused her to lose a bunch of blood.” This was reportedly the second time the cat had been shot recently while roaming outdoors without supervision. Just a few months earlier, she had been “shot in the cheek below the eye … with the pellet entering and exiting on the same side,” her owner said. Authorities were investigating, but no suspects were identified.
November 2020/Loris, South Carolina: CharlotteObserver.com reported that a homeless cat had died or was euthanized before testing positive for rabies. One person required post-exposure treatment, and four owned cats who were exposed to the virus had to be quarantined. No additional information was available.
November 2020/Camden, New York: RomeSentinel.com reported that an apparently homeless cat had been found badly injured in the middle of the street by an 11-year-old boy and his grandmother. The boy moved the cat to the side of the road, and the police were reportedly called. The grandmother reportedly “said since there’s no dog warden equivalent for cats, people are told to leave injured cats.” After two hours of searching for a place to take the animal, a veterinary hospital was found that was willing to treat her, apparently without a guarantee of payment. The cat, who was found to be declawed, had sustained “a broken pelvis, a torn up leg, and a concussion.” After she received initial treatment, the boy’s family took her in and reported that “[s]he has an infection in her leg. And she’s in a lot of pain.” They planned to keep her if an owner wasn’t found.
November 2020/Larimer County, Colorado: LaramieLive.com reported that a homeless cat had been “found in the Cameron Peak Fire, covered in ash and soot, with singed whiskers and burnt paws.” He received medical treatment and was expected to survive.
November 2020/Rocky Point, Oklahoma: KTUL.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been shot with an arrow. A neighbor reportedly called authorities and told them “that he walked outside and heard a cat crying. Upon locating the injured animal, he observed that the cat had an arrow impaled through his front shoulders. The arrow that penetrated the animal had no tip, adding to the suffering. He attempted to contact the owner with no success.” The cat was taken to a veterinary hospital for treatment. Authorities were investigating, but no suspects were identified.
November 2020/Mount Clemens, Michigan: MacombDaily.com reported that a homeless kitten had been “found bleeding and apparently suffering from a neck injury.” He or she was taken to an animal shelter and euthanized because of the extent of the injuries. Area residents reportedly told authorities that they “believed the kitten had been shot by a man who was driving around the block multiple times.” Someone reportedly heard “a loud ‘pop’ coming from the car as it passed the house and the injured kitten was then found on the porch.” The vehicle was reportedly tracked down, and a BB gun was found in the back seat. The driver was charged with cruelty to animals.
November 2020/Lower Frankford Township, Pennsylvania: Cumberlink.com reported that authorities had received a report that a cat had been shot. They were apparently investigating, but no suspects were identified. No additional information was available.
November 2020/Boise, Idaho: KTVB.com reported that an apparently homeless cat had been found with an arrow protruding from his eye. He was taken to an animal shelter, where he was “treated with pain medications, antibiotics and IV fluids”; underwent surgery to remove the projectile; and later underwent “further surgery to remove the remains of the ruptured eye.” He was expected to survive. Authorities were asking anyone with information about what happened to contact them, but no suspects were identified.
November 2020/Lewiston, Idaho: LCValley.DailyFLY.com reported that authorities had received a report from a resident who had found an injured cat, who was homeless or allowed to roam outdoors without supervision, under a building. The caller had captured the animal in a trap and was requesting the assistance of an animal control officer. No additional information was available.
October 2020/Upper Marlboro, Maryland: WTOP.com reported that a homeless cat had bitten two people. The animal was euthanized before testing positive for rabies. No additional information was available.
October 2020/San Antonio, Texas: News4SanAntonio.com reported that an apparently homeless kitten had been found behind a car dealership with his ears and tail missing. He was taken to an adoption group, where workers reportedly “believe[d] someone cut his ears and tail off on purpose.” He received treatment, including pain medication and laser therapy, and was expected to survive. It wasn’t reported whether authorities were notified, but no suspects were identified.
October 2020/Drexel, Ohio: WHIO.com reported that a kitten who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been missing for four days before he was found injured. He was taken to a veterinary hospital, where it was found that he’d been shot with a BB gun and one leg was so badly damaged that it had to be amputated. It wasn’t reported whether authorities were investigating, but no suspects were identified. No additional information was available.
October 2020/Commerce City, Colorado: Denver.CBSLocal.com reported that a homeless kitten had been found with her “paws and tail frozen to a parked semi-trailer at a tire shop” during freezing temperatures. “A patron of the shop discovered a kitten hanging off the side of one of the tires, her paws and tail frozen to the metal surface, trapping her in place,” according to officials. He reportedly spent 20 minutes removing her from the vehicle using warm water. The kitten was taken to an animal shelter for treatment of her injuries and was expected to survive.
October 2020/Oconto, Wisconsin: GreenBayPressGazette.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been shot with an arrow. The animal’s owner told authorities that he found the cat bleeding in his basement. The animal was taken to a veterinary hospital, where he or she died. Authorities investigated and referred a mistreatment of animals charge to the district attorney’s office after a hunter reportedly admitted to shooting the cat.
October 2020/Genesee Township, Pennsylvania: NorthCentralPA.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been shot. Responding authorities reported that the cat had been found alive with “a small entrance hole and exit hole from an unknown caliber firearm or pellet gun.” No additional information was available. Authorities were investigating, but no suspects were identified.
October 2020/East Liverpool, Ohio: MorningJournalNews.com reported that authorities had received a report from a resident who said that two pit bulls had fatally mauled a cat who was apparently allowed to roam outdoors without supervision. The dog warden was reportedly investigating. No additional information was available.
October 2020/Denver, Colorado: 9News.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been shot to death. Apparently, a witness saw a man and woman in a car use “a handgun to shoot the cat with a single round.” Authorities were investigating.
October 2020/Greeley, Colorado: GreeleyTribune.com reported that an animal control officer had been dispatched to a residence where an apparently homeless cat had been trapped “in a window well for about a week.” No additional information was available.
October 2020/South Hanover Township, Pennsylvania: PennLive.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been missing for a day before being found “with a head wound from a Pandarus Archery Crossbow,” according to the animal’s owners. The cat was taken to a veterinary hospital, where he or she required surgery, according to state police. Authorities were investigating, but no suspects were identified.
October 2020/Alton, Illinois: TheTelegraph.com published a letter to the editor written by a resident who reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been found dead on a curb after she’d apparently been hit by a car. The animal had reportedly been allowed to have “many litters” of kittens before her death.
October 2020/Chapman Township, Pennsylvania: NorthCentralPA.com reported that a cat who was homeless or allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been shot to death. Authorities were investigating, but no suspects were identified.
October 2020/Lincoln County, New Mexico: KRQE.com reported that a homeless kitten had been found limping along a road near a shooting range. He was taken to a veterinary hospital, where it was found that he’d been shot and part of his paw had to be amputated. He was expected to survive. It wasn’t reported whether authorities were notified, but no suspects were identified.
October 2020/Meridian, Texas: MeridianTribune.com reported that authorities had received a report about an apparently homeless cat who was “acting strangely.” The cat was located and found to be “exhibit[ing] abnormal behaviors.” The animal died or was euthanized before testing positive for rabies. No additional information was available.
October 2020/Kerrville, Texas: HCCommunityJournal.com reported that two cats described as “outdoor cats” had had contact with a rabid bat on the owner’s porch. The report explained, “According to Texas law, if a cat (or dog) is bitten or has made contact with an animal known to be rabid, then the pet should be humanely euthanized. Or, if the pet owner is unwilling to do that … then the protocol depends on if the pets have had their rabies vaccinations. If the exposed family pets have been previously … vaccinated against rabies, they should be revaccinated immediately and restrained/confined for a period of 45 days. If the pets have not had their rabies shots, then they should get vaccinated immediately and placed in strict isolation for 90 days, with booster rabies shots given in the third and eighth weeks of isolation.” No additional information was available.
October 2020/Paducah, Kentucky: KFVS12.com reported that a man had been charged with cruelty to animals after surveillance footage showed him “throwing [an apparently homeless] kitten about 30 feet into the air and letting [the animal] land on a concrete sidewalk.” The kitten sustained “apparent internal injuries,” was taken to a humane society, and “died the following day.”
October 2020/Plymouth, Pennsylvania: WNEP.com reported that a cat who had been “let outside … by mistake” had returned home with what his owner believed was a wound from a bullet or pellet. The animal was taken to a veterinary hospital, where he reportedly required surgery. Authorities were notified, but no suspects were identified. No additional information was available.
October 2020/Branford, Connecticut: Patch.com reported that a sick, apparently homeless kitten had become trapped on a rooftop. Authorities were able to rescue the animal, who was taken to an animal shelter and treated for an upper respiratory infection. He was expected to survive.
October 2020/Mooresville, North Carolina: WBTV.com reported that a homeless cat who was part of a group of homeless cats who were fed at a park by residents had been found “shaved erratically.” Later, he was reportedly “found clinging to life.” Those who found him reportedly said that “the cat was covered in blood, partially skinned with what appeared to be burn marks on his legs. He was rushed to an animal hospital but didn’t survive.” Authorities were investigating, but no suspects were identified.
October 2020/Lake City, Florida: FloridaHealth.gov reported that a homeless cat had died or was euthanized before testing positive for rabies. No additional information was available.
October 2020/Newark, New Jersey: NJ1015.com reported that a homeless kitten had been found “with a severe abdominal injury to her left side.” She was taken to an animal adoption group, where an X-ray reportedly “revealed that a pellet had been deliberately shot at the cat and came to rest deeply embedded under the skin and through the muscle,” according to the group. She was apparently expected to survive. It wasn’t reported whether authorities were investigating, but no suspects were identified.
October 2020/Unionville Borough, Pennsylvania: BRProud.com reported that an apparently homeless cat had been found with a crossbow bolt in the head. The animal was taken to a veterinary hospital for treatment and was reportedly expected to survive. Authorities charged a man with cruelty to animals after he admitted in an interview that he’d “inadvertently” shot the cat. No additional information was available.
October 2020/El Reno, Oklahoma: News9.com reported that a homeless cat who was part of a group of homeless cats who were fed at a lake by a resident had been shot with a blowgun dart. After the cat was seen with the dart penetrating his shoulder and coming out through his armpit, the feeder said she was unable to capture him for two weeks. His leg became badly infected and swollen. He was apparently taken to a veterinary hospital after he was captured. No additional details were available. Authorities were investigating, but no suspects were identified.
October 2020/Clarendon, Pennsylvania: TimesObserver.com reported that a homeless cat had died or was euthanized before testing positive for rabies. Two people were exposed to the virus. No additional information was available.
October 2020/Oakland, Maryland: GarrettHealth.org reported that a cat who was described as a “feral barn cat” had been seen by a property owner with trauma to the face. The owner was unable to capture the cat for two weeks. After the animal was finally captured, he or she was taken to a veterinary hospital, where the wounds were reportedly treated before the cat “displayed mild neurological symptoms and then passed away.” Testing revealed that the cat had rabies.
October 2020/Fort Lauderdale, Florida: WSVN.com reported that an apparently homeless cat had been found unable to use her rear legs. She was taken to a veterinary hospital, where it was discovered that she’d been shot with a BB gun and a pellet had lodged in her spine. Her paws were reportedly raw, apparently from dragging herself along the ground, and it was believed that she’d been languishing for days before she was found. She was receiving treatment, including aid in emptying her bladder and bowels. It wasn’t clear whether she would recover. It wasn’t reported whether authorities were notified, but no suspects were identified.
October 2020/Centre County, Pennsylvania: WJACTV.com reported that a cat who was homeless or allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been found with an arrow lodged in the head. The animal was taken to a veterinary hospital, where the arrow was removed, and was apparently expected to survive. Authorities were investigating, but no suspects were identified.
October 2020/Juneau, Alaska: JuneauEmpire.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had returned home injured and crying. His owner said she “wrapped him in a blanket and put him in the bathroom.” Later, she reportedly “found the bathroom covered in blood” and took him to a veterinary hospital. A .22-caliber bullet was found lodged in the cat’s hip, and he had to be euthanized because of the extent of the injuries sustained. Authorities were investigating, but no suspects were identified.
October 2020/Sparta, New York: TheLCN.com reported that a homeless kitten had been found sick or injured. The animal died or was euthanized before testing positive for rabies. Sixteen people had reportedly had contact with the kitten and would require post-exposure rabies treatment. No additional information was available.
October 2020/Monroe, Michigan: MonroeNews.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been found shot to death on a road. Authorities reportedly noted that “[a] surveillance camera showed the cat being shot by what appeared to be a pellet gun and [a] neighbor looking toward the road where the cat laid. The neighbor, who owns two pellet guns, denied shooting the pet.” Authorities investigated and reportedly recommended to the county prosecutor’s office that the suspect be charged with cruelty to animals.
October 2020/Norton, Massachusetts: Boston25News.com reported that a cat who was described as “a barn cat” had been found “screaming” and “dragging himself home.” He was taken to a veterinary hospital, where a veterinarian reportedly “found a wire snare still tight around his stomach, hidden in his fur. His mouth was cut up from trying to chew the wire off.” He was receiving treatment and was expected to survive. Because snare traps are reportedly illegal in the state, authorities were investigating. No suspects were identified.
September 2020/Frankfort, Kentucky: WTVQ.com reported that “several” cats described as “neighborhood cats” had apparently died from poisoning and another had been beaten to death or died after being hit by a car. The body of one cat had been submitted for a necropsy to determine the cause of death. Authorities were investigating, but no suspects were identified.
September 2020/Esparto, California: DailyDemocrat.com reported that an apparently homeless cat had been abused and killed on the property of a school. Authorities reportedly arrested a man after video surveillance captured footage of him “kicking and punching the cat on school grounds and dragging [the animal] by [a] rope.” He was charged with felony cruelty to animals. No additional information was available.
September 2020/Alexandria, Virginia: NBCWashington.com reported that a homeless cat had been captured by authorities after he or she was “seen acting aggressively.” The animal died or was euthanized before testing positive for rabies. Authorities were reportedly working with five people who had been exposed to the virus. No additional information was available.
September 2020, New York, New York: OutbreakNewsToday.com reported that from January to September 2020, three cats in New York City had died or had been euthanized before testing positive for rabies. No additional information was available.
September 2020/Dallas, Texas: Radio.com reported that a cat who was homeless or allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been shot. The animal was reportedly seriously injured but survived. Authorities were investigating, but no suspects were identified.
September 2020/Hermitage, Tennessee: WKRN.com reported that a cat who had reportedly escaped his home through a “doggy door” had returned badly injured. He was taken to a veterinary hospital, where, his owner said, “an X-ray revealed one metal pellet lodged in his side and another completely shattered in his leg.” He underwent surgery to amputate the leg. Authorities were notified, but no suspects were identified.
September 2020/Provo, Utah: KUTV.com reported that a cat who was homeless or allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been found with an arrow in one eye. Authorities apparently captured the animal, and the projectile was removed. They were investigating, but no suspects were identified. No additional information was available. KUTV.com later reported that a second cat had been found with an arrow through his or her body. The projectile reportedly punctured a lung and damaged a leg so badly that it had to be amputated, according to authorities. The cat was reportedly expected to survive.
September 2020/Pomaria, South Carolina: EINNews.com reported that a homeless cat described as “a known stray” had died or had been euthanized before testing positive for rabies. No additional information was available.
September 2020/Dedham, Massachusetts: Patch.com reported that a homeless cat had been found with “severe lacerations which were clearly infected.” He was taken to an animal adoption group, where it was determined that one of his legs had to be amputated. Because he had sustained “a wound of unknown origin,” he also had to be quarantined for four months in accordance with state law.
September 2020/Westfield, New York: WKBW.com reported that a homeless cat had died or had been euthanized before testing positive for rabies. No additional information was available.
September 2020/Marshfield, Wisconsin: OnFocus.news reported that, in August, three homeless kittens who had been found “in rough shape” were taken to an animal adoption group. According to a spokesperson for the group, their survival was in question when they were admitted. The animals were infested with internal and external parasites, had upper respiratory infections, and “had open wounds from fly larvae infestation, in addition to maggots feeding on the infected tissue.” One of them also “had a serious eye injury.” They received treatment and were reportedly expected to survive.
September 2020/Pittston, Pennsylvania: PAHomepage.com reported that a tiny homeless kitten had been found severely injured after someone shot the animal. According to a veterinarian at a hospital where the kitten was taken for treatment, it took a worker with an animal adoption group “a day or two” to capture the kitten in a trap “and all the time the intestines were hanging out …. He’s been shot the pelvis, has been broken, and the intestines has come out through the rectum. The little kitten was in very much pain,” the veterinarian said. After the kitten underwent emergency surgery to repair the damage, an X-ray reportedly revealed a bullet fragment that remained embedded in the animal. It wasn’t reported whether authorities were notified, but no suspects were identified. No additional information was available.
September 2020/Waterford, Connecticut: TheDay.com reported that a homeless cat had died or had been euthanized before testing positive for rabies. No additional information was available.
September 2020/Bel Air, Maryland: Baltimore.CBSLocal.com reported that a homeless cat had died or had been euthanized before testing positive for rabies. No additional information was available.
September 2020/Florida, New York: RecordOnline.com reported that a senior homeowner had been feeding two homeless cats when a third showed up. When he tried to feed the third cat, he was bitten. Unable to capture the animal, he called authorities. The cat was captured by an animal control officer, and the homeowner paid to have the animal euthanized at a veterinary hospital. The remains were sent to a state laboratory, where they tested positive for rabies. The homeowner required post-exposure treatment. Health authorities reportedly advised residents to “[k]eep cats indoors if they are your beloved pets. The outdoor risks are far greater than the loss of being an inside/outside cat.”
September 2020/Central Point, Oregon: MailTribune.com reported that a veterinarian at Southern Oregon Veterinary Specialty Center said that the clinic had been “taking a lot of the more critical patients in the area, especially burned animals” during the Almeda wildfire. Most of the burned animals were reportedly cats. According to the report, “Cats are notoriously hard to find and catch in emergencies, even when they’re in the house, and most spend time outdoors, where they can run away. The Rogue Valley is also home to many stray cats. . . . Vets are seeing cats with singed fur and burns, especially to their faces, whiskers, eyes and feet. Less obvious wounds include damage to their mucous membranes, mouths and airways, veterinarians said. Cats with burned mouths may be reluctant to eat and drink, and if the pads of their paws are burned, they may not want to move to urinate, said Dr. Adam Reiss, an emergency and critical care veterinarian at the clinic. . . . The cats being treated at the clinic may also suffer neurological problems—an after-effect of carbon monoxide poisoning, Reiss said.” The hospital advised dog and cat guardians to keep animals indoors “except to relieve themselves.”
September 2020/Hollister, California: SanBenito.com reported that an apparently homeless kitten had been found with severe burns covering his face and body. Authorities were called and transported the animal to an animal shelter, where it was determined “that the burns resulted in injuries to the animal’s paw pads, skin and eyes that would require extensive medical treatment.” He was transferred to an animal adoption group, which was reportedly providing him with treatment, including pain medication, creams, eye ointment, and antibiotics. It was expected that he would require months of treatment. Authorities asked anyone with information about the cause of the kitten’s injuries to contact them, but no suspects were identified.
September 2020/Davie, Florida: Sun-Sentinel.com reported that a cat who was homeless or allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been found sick. He or she died or was euthanized before testing positive for rabies. No additional information was available.
September 2020/Tampa, Florida: NewsChannel5.com reported that an apparently homeless kitten had been found badly injured. She was apparently taken to an animal adoption group, where a spokesperson reportedly said that it appeared that someone had stabbed the animal in the face with a dart. “The person that found her said she could not open her mouth, so it had pierced all the way through and actually into part of her throat,” she said. The animal was reportedly scheduled to undergo surgery. Authorities were investigating, but no suspects were identified.
September 2020/Lake Oroville, California: Redding.com reported that a firefighter had been working to water down embers from the Bear Fire when an apparently homeless kitten came running toward him, crying loudly. “The cat looks as if he may been singed in the fire and could have burned paws, he said.” He planned to take the kitten to the animal control department. Another group of firefighters also reportedly “found a cat hidden in debris.” That animal was apparently taken to safety as well. No additional information was available.
September 2020/Springfield, Massachusetts: WCVB.com reported that an apparently homeless kitten had been found badly injured. He was taken to an animal adoption group, where a representative reportedly said that he’d sustained “extensive injuries, including two broken legs, that left him barely able to walk and in severe pain.” He said, “I cannot recall ever seeing a kitten injured so badly, with severe fractures to both of his humerus bones.” The kitten was receiving treatment.
September 2020/Fergus Falls, Minnesota: FergusFallsJournal.com reported that the Fergus Falls Police Department had received a report about “a cat, possibly injured or sick,” who had been hissing at residents. The animal control department was notified. No additional information was available.
September 2020/Albuquerque, New Mexico: KRQE.com reported that an apparently homeless kitten had been found badly injured. She was taken to a public animal shelter, where a veterinarian reportedly said, “We’re not exactly sure what kind of trauma she had but whatever happened to her, whether it be falling down from a high balcony, being hit by a car or thrown by a car window, which often happens … [h]er face was actually crushed.” She underwent multiple surgeries, and her jaw was wired shut for some time. She was reportedly expected to survive.
September 2020/Stockton, California: WFSB.com reported that a homeless cat had been found several months earlier with a bullet wound. She was taken to a public animal shelter, where she evidently received medical treatment. According to the report, “The shattered bullet was lodged in her muscles and near her spine, which … caused her to become paralyzed in her back legs.” She was reportedly adopted after being confined at the facility for 175 days. It wasn’t reported whether authorities were notified, but no suspects were identified.
September 2020/Johnson City, Tennessee: WJHL.com reported that an apparently homeless cat had been found in a parking lot with a broken hip. She was taken to an animal shelter, where she underwent surgery. No additional information was available.
September 2020/Hubert, North Carolina: WCTI12.com reported that a homeless kitten had been found on a road, blind because of a severe infection in both eyes. She was taken to an animal adoption group, which reportedly planned to have both eyes surgically removed if the kitten regained enough strength. According to a spokesperson for the group, “She wakes up in the middle of the night and she screams. … She’s very confused and doesn’t know what’s going on.” No additional information was available.
September 2020/Vineland, New Jersey: TheDailyJournal.com reported that a sick, homeless kitten had been taken to a veterinary hospital, where he or she died before testing positive for rabies. No additional information was available.
September 2020/Unionville, Virginia: StarExponent.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been missing for a day before returning home “gravely injured” and apparently shot. The animal was taken to a veterinary hospital, where he or she died. Authorities were investigating, but no suspects were identified.
September 2020/Lewiston, Idaho: YakTriNews.com reported that an apparently homeless kitten had been found barely able to breathe because his mouth had been glued shut and his nose was covered with what appeared to be glue. He was taken to an animal adoption group, which reportedly revealed that “veterinarians thought the glue looked like rubber cement.” He was apparently receiving treatment. Authorities were notified, but no suspects were identified.
September 2020/Campobello, South Carolina: FOXCarolina.com reported that a cat who was apparently allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had died or had been euthanized before testing positive for rabies. Two people had reportedly been exposed to the virus. No additional information was available.
September 2020/Fishhook, Alaska: ADN.com reported that authorities had been “investigating reports that someone is targeting and killing pet cats in Mat-Su neighborhoods. Borough officials say they’ve recovered roughly a dozen dead cats as part of the investigation.” The owners of a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision said that on the night that their cat failed to return home, a neighbor’s surveillance camera captured footage that showed the following: “A pickup slowly passes by, headlights and light bar blazing, with what looks like a spotlight swiveling back and forth into the yard. The truck passes by, then stops in front of [the cat’s owners’] home. The report of a gunshot can be heard on the video. Someone cuts the lights on the truck.” According to the report, a few days later, someone who responded to a “missing” flyer sent the owners a photo of three dead cats who were found “dumped off a road,” which included the feline advertised as missing. Another resident reportedly “said in a Facebook post that surveillance video showed a truck with a spotlight on the back pulling up and someone shooting at [a cat], then leaning over [his or her] body. They found the cat’s mangled collar later.” The investigation was ongoing, but no suspects were identified.
August 2020/Washington Court House, Ohio: RecordHerald.com reported that two apparently homeless kittens had been found badly injured. One had been found with severe burns by a woman who was “feeding a litter of strays.” Authorities were called, and the animal was taken to a veterinary hospital, where a veterinarian reportedly said that the kitten had “what appeared to be severe burns, mostly on the kitten’s face, paws and tail. The hair showed clipper marks with a few cuts which appeared to have been made by clippers.” It was believed that the burns may have been caused by boiling water. The animal had to be euthanized because of the extent of the injuries. Another kitten had been seen falling out of a vehicle’s engine compartment, where vulnerable cats often seek safety, in a parking lot. He was taken to a veterinary hospital, where a veterinarian reportedly said, “He had severe cuts on his head and shoulder and a broken tail. His entire right outer ear had been cut off, and all he had left was a small bit of ear canal. … He has no outer ear, and his ear canal now opens on the side of his head.” He underwent surgery and remained under treatment.
August 2020/Hollister, California: SanBenito.com reported that an apparently homeless kitten had been found emaciated and badly burned. He or she was taken to an animal shelter, where an examination reportedly “confirmed that the burns resulted in injuries to the animal’s paw pads, skin and eyes that would require extensive medical treatment.” Authorities were investigating, but no suspects were identified.
August 2020/Blairsville, Pennsylvania: IndianaGazette.com reported that a homeless cat who was described as friendly and pregnant and who had been fed by residents along with “other pregnant feral cats” had “started staggering around and acting like [she] wanted to attack people.” She died or was euthanized before testing positive for rabies. Health authorities asked anyone who had contact with the animal to call them. No additional information was available.
August 2020/Arlington, Texas: DFW.CBSLocal.com reported that authorities had arrested “a man they say is responsible for shooting a cat with a high-powered crossbow.” The homeless cat was found the next morning “with an arrow piercing his torso, protruding through his neck.” Responding officers reportedly obtained medical treatment for the animal, who required emergency surgery and was expected to survive. A witness reportedly said that the accused had laughed after he shot the cat.
August 2020/Burlington, West Virginia: JacksonNewspapers.com reported that an apparently homeless cat died or was euthanized before testing positive for rabies. No additional information was available.
August 2020/Washington, D.C.: NBCWashington.com reported that an apparently homeless kitten had been found “critically injured.” He was taken to a veterinary hospital, where it was reportedly determined that his “pelvis was fractured in two places and [he had sustained] other injuries [that] indicated he was sexually abused.” He had to be euthanized because of the extent of the injuries. A dog had also been found who was “unable to stand and had injuries indicating sexual abuse …. She suffered five broken vertebrae, two possible stab wounds to her chest and a dislocated hip and had likely been strangled,” according to authorities. The dog was receiving medical treatment. The two cases reportedly didn’t appear to be related. Authorities were investigating, but no suspects were identified.
August 2020/Lakeville, Massachusetts: SouthCoastToday.com reported that three homeless kittens had died and others were missing from a colony that was being fed in a neighborhood. One of the kittens had been found with an injured leg. He or she was taken to a veterinary hospital, where the animal died. Authorities were investigating. No additional information was available.
August 2020/Terre Haute, Indiana: MyWabashValley.com reported that a man was facing criminal charges after witnesses reported that they had seen him beat an apparently homeless kitten to death. According to the report, court documents said that witnesses told authorities that “a kitten was following Michael Bousman down the street when Bousman turned around and began beating the animal with a backpack.” No additional information was available.
August 2020/Broken Arrow, Oklahoma: FOX23.com reported that a cat who was apparently allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been found across the street from his owner’s home “cut into two pieces and gutted.” Authorities reportedly believed that “it was purposely done and that no other animal could have done the damage.” They were investigating, but no suspects were identified.
August 2020/Helena, Montana: HelenaIR.com published a letter to the editor by a resident who said that her cat had escaped from inside her home and was shot with a pellet gun. According to the writer, after she searched for hours to find the animal, the cat “finally dragged herself home, paralyzed through her back quarters by pellets embedded in her spine. She had to be euthanized. … Our vet said she finds about 20% of the pets she sees have pellets in them.” Authorities were notified, but no suspects were identified.
August 2020/Greenville, North Carolina: WNCT.com reported that a homeless kitten had been beaten and thrown in a trashcan by a man. According to the report, Greenville Police Department “telecommunicators were proactively monitoring the city camera system when they observed a man place a young kitten in a trash can …. As the kitten attempted to climb back out of the trash can, telecommunicators observed the suspect strike the kitten in the head and face unprovoked, causing the cat to violently fly back into the trash can.” Responding officers arrested the man, who was charged with cruelty to animals. The kitten sustained an injury to the mouth but recovered and was adopted by an officer.
August 2020/Spencer, North Carolina: SalisburyPost.com reported that authorities had arrested a man who allegedly shot a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision with a .22-caliber weapon. According to the report, the cat “suffered for three days without medical care” before he or she was taken to a veterinary hospital, where a leg had to be amputated. CBS17.com reported that the cat’s owner said the animal had also sustained “wounds from bone fragments in his chest.” He was apparently expected to survive.
August 2020/Tampa, Florida: TampaBay.com reported that at least seven cats who were homeless or allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been injured or died after they were shot in a neighborhood. One of the animals had been “found with multiple gunshot wounds, which shattered her right pelvis, damaged her colon and left a BB lodged in her left leg.” She was taken to a veterinary hospital, where she was euthanized after it was determined that her wounds had become infected, leading to septic shock. Authorities were investigating, but no suspects were identified.
August 2020/Fresno, California: FresnoBee.com reported that two homeless kittens had been found dead by a woman who had been feeding them at a church. It wasn’t known how they had died, but one of them reportedly appeared to have been stomped on. “‘It was the worst thing that I’ve had to see,’ she said tearfully about picking up fragments of a bloodied kitten’s skull that she had been feeding,” according to the report. Another kitten was found alive in a box trap that had apparently been set by a “pest control” company hired by the church to remove the animals. The woman who had been feeding the cats reportedly said of that kitten, “He was half dead. … He could barely move. He was sitting there whimpering.” The surviving kitten and a “three-legged” cat were removed from the property by the woman who had been feeding them there. The owner of the company that had set the trap reportedly said that he “catches and releases” animals and denied being involved in any deaths. Authorities were notified and were reportedly “gathering facts” in the case.
August 2020/Rome, New York: RomeSentinel.com reported that a kitten who was apparently homeless or allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had died or was euthanized before testing positive for rabies. According to the report, “multiple adults” and companion animals had been exposed to the virus and were receiving post-exposure treatment. No additional information was available.
August 2020/Webster, Florida: Villages-News.com reported that a homeless cat died or was euthanized before testing positive for rabies. No additional information was available.
August 2020/Austin, Texas: FOX7Austin.com reported that a homeless kitten had been seen in June running down a sidewalk. Before she could be captured, she reportedly ran into the street and was hit by a car. According to the report, her “back leg was crushed and her pelvis was broken.” She was taken to an animal hospital, where her leg had to be amputated. She was expected to survive.
August 2020/Claysburg, Pennsylvania: AltoonaMirror.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been missing for three days before she was found injured under a car. She was taken to a veterinary hospital, where an X-ray revealed that she’d been shot, resulting in a “shattered” leg that had to be amputated. Authorities were notified, but no suspects were identified.
August 2020/Taylors, South Carolina: WSPA.com reported that a vaccinated cat who was described as an “outdoor pet” had been missing for four days before he was found sick. He died or was euthanized before testing positive for rabies. According to the report, “The cat’s booster vaccination was out of date by three months.” Four people were exposed to the virus. No additional information was available.
August 2020/Conneaut, Ohio: StarBeacon.com reported that a homeless cat who was fed by a resident had been shot in the face. Residents reportedly “blamed ‘neighborhood kids’ for the animal’s suffering.” An animal control officer reportedly took the cat to a group of people who were demonstrating outside a courthouse in support of another cat who had been shot with an arrow. (See the July 2020/Conneaut, Ohio, entry below.) According to the report, while the officer was transferring the injured animal from a trap into a carrier, the “obviously terrified” cat escaped, “ran into traffic, dodged the wheels of a passing car and scooted under a car parked in the courthouse parking lot. One of the volunteers crawled under the vehicle and managed to grab the cat. After placing the cat in a secure carrier, the volunteer got physically sick.” According to a witness, the animal was “missing part of [his or her] face.” The cat was apparently taken to an animal hospital. Authorities were investigating, but no suspects were identified. No additional information was available.
August 2020/Mobile, Alabama: FOX10TV.com reported that “[m]ultiple residents” had reached out to the outlet after cats whom they had allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been attacked by dogs, who were also roaming unsupervised. One resident shared surveillance footage of dogs attacking cats on his property and killing one “in a deadly game of tug-o-war between two dogs and one of the cats.” Another resident said that her cat had to be euthanized because of the extent of the injuries he sustained in an attack. According to the report, “She said, ‘I actually woke up, unfortunately, to it and was able to get the dogs to drop him and took him to a vet. … He had puncture wounds and one was so deep, that the infection was around his spine and it wasn’t humane to keep him alive.” Authorities were reportedly trying to capture the dogs.
August 2020/Grants, New Mexico: KRQE.com reported that an apparently homeless cat had been found under a resident’s deck with three arrows in his face. He was taken to a veterinary hospital, where they were removed. It was reportedly a concern that he could have trouble eating because of the injuries sustained. It was determined that the arrows had been fired from a mini crossbow. Authorities were investigating, but no suspects were identified.
July 2020/Staunton, Virginia: WHSV.com reported that an apparently homeless cat had attacked a person. The animal was reportedly captured and died or was euthanized before testing positive for rabies. No additional information was available.
July 2020/Hamilton, Ohio: FOX19.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been abused by two juveniles. The attack was captured on surveillance footage, which reportedly showed one of the boys as “he leans over her, and then he just punches her, and when he punches her, she leaves the porch, and he takes off running, and then that’s when the other person involved released the dogs to chase her,” the owner said. The cat was reportedly not seriously hurt. Authorities were investigating and had reportedly identified two suspects.
July 2020/Winchester, Virginia: WinchesterStar.com published a letter to the editor written by a resident who had found an apparently homeless cat on the side of the road, unable to move. The writer said that he thought the animal was dead, but upon closer examination, he saw that he or she was still alive and appeared to have a broken leg. Authorities were called, and a responding animal control officer was reportedly able to contain the cat for transportation. No additional information was available.
July 2020/Fairplay, Maryland: HeraldMailMedia.com reported that a homeless cat died or was euthanized before testing positive for rabies. According to the report, “[t]he health department said there are known human exposures in the vicinity.” No additional information was available.
July 2020/Selma, California: KMPH.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been attacked by a dog who was being walked without a leash. Video surveillance footage captured the attack, and a witness said she that saw the dog’s owner “hitting the dog hard, like over 30 times,” to try to stop the attack. After the dog released the cat, the dog and his or her owner walked away. The cat was taken to a veterinary hospital, where a leg was amputated before the animal died. According to the report, “The cat owner’s family says this is the fourth time it’s lost a cat to a dog attack.” Authorities were trying to identify the dog’s owner.
July 2020/Conneaut, Ohio: News5Cleveland.com reported that an apparently homeless cat had been shot with an arrow. Authorities received a report about the cat but were unable to locate him. Three days later, a resident was able to secure him and called authorities. The cat was taken to an animal adoption group, where part of the arrow was reportedly cut away with bolt cutters before he was transported to a veterinary hospital. However, “because the arrow was near his carotid artery, the surgery could not be performed at that location. [The cat] was once again transported, this time to a veterinary hospital in Akron and [was] set to undergo surgery.” A man reportedly “confessed to shooting the cat and said he did so because he ‘believed [the animal] was rabid.’” Charges were being considered.
July 2020/Wyandotte, Michigan: ClickOnDetroit.com reported that at least two cats who were allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been shot, according to authorities. One of them was reportedly found outside his owner’s door injured and holding his leg up. He was taken to a veterinary hospital, where “an X-ray showed his leg was shattered by a high-power pellet gun.” The leg had to be amputated. According to neighbors, at least four other cats had been shot and didn’t survive. A reward was being offered for information about the person who may have shot the animals, but no suspects were identified.
July 2020/St. Johns, Florida: FirstCoastNews.com reported that an apparently homeless kitten had been found ill. He or she was taken to a veterinary hospital, where a veterinarian reportedly said, “At first we thought [the kitten] was having a seizure …. We set [the animal] on the ground. [He or she] began to circle, which is a severe neurological sign. [The kitten] had also been having mood swings of aggression and was lethargic.” The animal was euthanized and tested positive for rabies. No additional information was available.
July 2020/Grand Island, Nebraska: KSNBLocal4.com reported that a homeless cat had scratched and bitten a resident, resulting in more than 50 puncture wounds, some so deep that they penetrated the bone. The attack reportedly happened in the man’s backyard. He said that the cat would not let go, and his wife reportedly “had to pry the cat’s mouth open” to get the animal to release. The cat was reportedly injured during the struggle, and the couple said that they “put [the animal] down with a shot to the head.” Because of the damage to the animal’s brain, authorities said that they couldn’t test the remains for rabies. The resident required X-rays, “five high-strength antibiotics,” and preventative post-exposure rabies treatment.
July 2020/Greenwood, South Carolina: EINNews.com reported that a homeless cat had died or was euthanized before testing positive for rabies. A person who was scratched by the animal was referred to his or her healthcare provider, and an owned companion animal who was exposed had to be quarantined. No additional information was available.
July 2020/El Paso, Texas: KFOXTV.com reported that two cats who were apparently homeless or allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been found dead “with extensive trauma to their heads.” The injuries to each animal appeared similar, reportedly leading authorities to believe that they may have been inflicted by the same individual. They asked anyone with information to call them. No suspects were identified.
July 2020/Hildale, Utah: GephardtDaily.com reported that an apparently homeless cat had been found critically injured in a resident’s yard. The animal was taken to a veterinary hospital, where it was reportedly determined that he “had been tied up and set on fire.” The cat also had open wounds that suggested that he may have been tortured. He was receiving treatment. A reward was offered “for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible,” but no suspects were identified. ABC4.com later reported that the cat had undergone “surgery but is now suffering from an infection after sutures came loose. He remains on several medications to control the pain and infection.” Another area resident had also reportedly taken another cat and kittens to an animal adoption group and said that “a man had doused the cat in gasoline and was planning to set [her] on fire with a match before the person stepped in.” It wasn’t reported whether authorities were investigating the second case or if a suspect had been identified.
July 2020/Rochester, New York: WHEC.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been found critically injured. He was taken to a veterinary hospital, where he had to be euthanized because of the extent of the injuries sustained, which were reportedly believed to have been the result of “fireworks shoved up his backside.” A spokesperson for an animal adoption group reportedly said that “they can’t officially say it was a firework but burn marks and evidence points to it.” Authorities were investigating, but no suspects were identified.
July 2020/Donegal Township, Pennsylvania: ButlerEagle.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been missing for two days before he was found dead under a vehicle in the owner’s yard. The owner said that the cat had been “shot in the rump, above the tail.” He said that, based on the size of a hole in the animal’s body, he had apparently been “shot once with a .22 (caliber).” Authorities were investigating, but no suspects were identified.
July 2020/Harrison, New Jersey: DailyVoice.com reported that authorities had arrested a man “on weapons and animal abuse–related charges” after he allegedly shot a homeless cat with an arrow. Witnesses reportedly said that they saw him shoot the cat and that he then “walked over and pulled the arrow out and the cat ran off bleeding. He took his arrow and left.” Police reportedly found the weapon and arrows in his possession. It wasn’t reported whether the cat had been found.
July 2020/Honea Path, South Carolina: FOXCarolina.com reported that an apparently homeless cat had exposed two people and 10 companion animals to rabies before he or she died or was euthanized and tested positive for the virus. The two people who were exposed were referred to their healthcare providers. No additional information was available.
July 2020/Gettysburg, Pennsylvania: FOX43.com reported that a sick, homeless cat had been found dragging his or her hind end. The animal bit a resident who had apparently tried to provide aid. The cat was captured and euthanized before testing positive for rabies. The person who was bitten received post-exposure treatment.
July 2020/Watseka, Illinois: WANDTV.com reported that an animal adoption group had received three reports about cats who were allowed to roam outdoors without supervision and had died from suspected poisoning. According to the report, the cats’ owners all said that the animals “had passed away quickly after returning from being outside.” It wasn’t reported whether authorities were notified, but no suspects were identified.
July 2020/Liberty Hill, South Carolina: WLTX.com reported that an apparently homeless cat who had been “found with wounds of unknown origin” had died or was euthanized before testing positive for rabies. Two people who were exposed to the animal were reportedly referred to their healthcare providers. No additional information was available.
July 2020/Washington County, Maryland: HeraldMailMedia.com reported that a homeless cat had died or was euthanized before testing positive for rabies. Authorities reportedly said that there were “known human exposures in the area.” No additional information was available.
July 2020/Biloxi, Mississippi: WLOX.com reported that a litter of homeless kittens had been found after they were poisoned with antifreeze. Two of them died, and two were receiving around-the-clock care at a veterinary hospital. It wasn’t known if the poisoning had been intentional. Authorities were investigating, but no suspects were identified.
July 2020/Harriett, Texas: GoSanAngelo.com reported that a kitten who was homeless or allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had contact with a rabid skunk on May 23. On July 10, he or she was taken to a veterinary hospital, apparently after exhibiting symptoms of rabies. The kitten was euthanized and tested positive for the virus. Authorities advised anyone who had contact with the animal to seek medical attention.
July 2020/Phoenix, Arizona: WKRG.com reported that four cats who were allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been shot. In one case, a video doorbell app reportedly captured footage at night of two men shooting a cat to death from the window of a vehicle. Another cat reportedly “survived after being shot right between the eyes …. ‘It looked like he had almost been in a fight. He went into surgery on Tuesday, and they had to remove shattered teeth, and they removed the bullet from his jaw, and there are still shards of a bullet in his nose,’” his owner said. A third cat was found with wounds to the legs that reportedly appeared to be caused by BB pellets, and authorities had received a similar report about a fourth cat. They were investigating, but no suspects were identified.
July 2020/Ross Township, Pennsylvania: TribLive.com reported that a homeless cat had died or was euthanized before testing positive for rabies. No additional information was available.
July 2020/Accident, Maryland: Times-News.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been attacked by a second, homeless cat. The property owner witnessed the attack and then saw the homeless cat exhibit aggressive behavior before he or she became lethargic and began to exhibit neurological symptoms. The animal died or was euthanized before testing positive for rabies. The owned cat had to be euthanized because of the exposure. Both cats reportedly had litters of kittens on the property, who were removed by animal control officials. The property owner, who was bitten by a kitten, required post-exposure treatment.
July 2020/Finley, Washington: NBCRightNow.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been missing for three days before he was found injured in a tree. His owner said that he had sustained a gash “all the way across his belly to his rear left leg.” He was taken to a veterinary hospital, where his owner said that she was instructed to call authorities immediately. She said, “The slice was a definite, purposely done cut with some sharp object like a knife or a scalpel. They said it had clean edges.” The cat was apparently expected to survive. Another cat had been found mutilated at a golf course—the ninth cat found dead and mutilated in the area in recent weeks. (See the June 2020/Kennewick, Washington, entry below for more details.)
July 2020/Portland, Oregon: KXL.com reported that an apparently homeless kitten had become trapped on a ledge under a busy bridge. Authorities shut down the bridge for two hours while workers with Portland Fire & Rescue tried to retrieve the animal, who eventually plunged into the river below. Boats were reportedly deployed to try to rescue the cat, but he or she died.
July 2020/South Gate, California: ABC7.com reported that a kitten who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been purposely killed. Surveillance footage showed an unidentified woman abducting the kitten from the owner’s porch and then spraying poison onto her, drenching her fur. The animal was later found dead with a broken jaw. ABC7.com later reported that authorities had located the suspect in a restaurant parking lot with another kitten. The woman was reportedly “arrested, booked and taken to a mental health facility for evaluation.” The kitten, who appeared to be unharmed, was taken to an animal shelter.
July 2020/Orange County, Florida: TampaDispatch.com reported that an apparently homeless cat had died or was euthanized before testing positive for rabies. No additional information was available.
July 2020/New Hartford, New York: UticaOD.com reported that an apparently homeless cat had died or was euthanized before testing positive for rabies. An individual who was exposed to the cat required post-exposure treatment. No additional information was available.
July 2020/Boise, Idaho: IdahoNews.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been found with a steel-jaw trap clamped onto a leg. After the cat ran off, an animal control officer was able to capture the animal, who was taken to an animal shelter. He or she was sedated, and the trap was removed. Medical care was provided before the animal was returned to his or her owner. It wasn’t reported whether the trap had been legally set or whether authorities were investigating.
July 2020/Erie, Pennsylvania: Pittsburgh.CBSLocal.com reported that an apparently homeless kitten had been found with a collar around her neck so tight that it had become deeply embedded in the tissue. She was taken to an animal adoption group, where she underwent surgery to remove it. She was expected to survive.
July 2020/Roxbury, Massachusetts: Boston.CBSLocal.com reported that an apparently homeless cat had been found with a badly injured tail. She was taken to a veterinary hospital, where her tail was amputated. A veterinarian reportedly said, “We’re not exactly sure how [she] was injured—she may have been struck by a car or gotten her tail trapped in a door or fence—but she suffered a ‘de-gloving’ of her tail, which means all of the skin had been stripped from her tail, exposing the bone underneath.”
June 2020/Delaware, New York: MidHudsonNews.com reported that an apparently homeless kitten had scratched two people before he or she died or was euthanized and tested positive for rabies. The people were receiving post-exposure treatment. No additional information was available.
June 2020/Charleston, South Carolina: ABCNews4.com reported that an apparently homeless kitten had been found evidently ill or injured. He or she died or was euthanized before testing positive for rabies. Three people were exposed to the kitten and were referred to their healthcare providers. No additional information was available.
June 2020/Spokane, Washington: KXLY.com reported that an apparently homeless cat had been found with serious injuries. He was taken to an animal shelter, where it was found that his trachea had been injured by a pellet gun projectile. He received emergency surgery and remained under treatment, including having to be fed through a tube. It wasn’t reported whether authorities were investigating, but no suspects were identified.
June 2020/St. Louis, Missouri: STLToday.com reported that a homeless cat had been found with a badly injured tail. He was taken to an animal shelter, where his tail had to be amputated. No additional information was available.
June 2020/Lewistown, Pennsylvania: WeAreCentralPA.com reported that a cat who was homeless or allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been shot with an air-powered weapon. He or she was reportedly “later put down from the injuries.” Authorities were investigating, but no suspects were identified.
June 2020/Taylor, Texas: TaylorPress.net reported that a homeless cat who had been sterilized and reabandoned by a resident had been seen with a steel-jaw trap clamped onto her leg. The resident was unable to capture her. Authorities were called and found the animal the next day under a shed in a neighbor’s yard, where the trap had become entangled. She was taken to a veterinary hospital for treatment and was apparently expected to survive. It wasn’t known where she had become stuck in the trap or who may have set it.
June 2020/Tuscaloosa, Alabama: CBS42.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been found dead. A veterinarian reportedly later determined that he or she had been shot with a pellet gun. A neighbor was arrested and charged with cruelty to animals. No additional information was available.
June 2020/Forsyth County, Georgia: ForsythNews.com reported that an apparently homeless cat had scratched three people and a dog before he or she died or was euthanized and tested positive for rabies. No additional information was available.
June 2020/Williamston, South Carolina: FOXCarolina.com reported that a cat who was homeless or allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had died or been euthanized before testing positive for rabies. Two people required post-exposure treatment. No additional information was available.
June 2020/Norfolk, Virginia: 13NewsNow.com reported that an apparently homeless kitten had been found “exhibiting neurological symptoms.” He or she died or was euthanized before testing positive for rabies. No additional information was available.
June 2020/Warren, Ohio: WKBN.com reported that a cat who was homeless or allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been attacked by a dog, who was also roaming unsupervised. The cat was taken to a veterinary hospital, where he or she died. No additional information was available.
June 2020/Eunice, New Mexico: KRQE.com reported that an apparently homeless cat had been found in a resident’s yard with an arrow through the head. Authorities were called and contained the animal, who had to be euthanized because of the extent of the injuries sustained. It was believed that the cat had been roaming for days with the arrow in his or her head. Police were investigating, but no suspects were identified.
June 2020/Jackson Township, Indiana: NWITimes.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been shot to death by a neighbor. According to the report, the cat was injured after being shot with a 12-gauge shotgun. He or she was then shot a second time, killing the animal. The neighbor reportedly told authorities that the cat had been chasing birds on his property. Criminal charges were being considered.
June 2020/Rome, New York: RomeSentinel.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been found in the street with an arrow through his head by a neighbor. He was taken to a veterinary hospital for treatment and likely sustained permanent damage. According to his owner, the arrow went through the animal’s ear and hit a facial nerve and he may require “surgery once the swelling and infection go down.” Authorities were investigating, but no suspects were identified.
June 2020/Forsyth, Georgia: MyMCR.net reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been attacked and killed by two dogs, who were also roaming unsupervised. A neighbor witnessed the attack. Authorities were called and impounded the dogs. Their owner was reportedly cited for violating the leash law.
June 2020/Bethel, Connecticut: NewsTimes.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been shot with an air rifle, causing serious injuries. He was taken to a veterinary hospital, where it was determined that a pellet had shattered bones in his leg. He underwent surgery. Anyone with information about the shooting was asked to call authorities, but no suspects were identified.
June 2020/Jonesboro, Arkansas: KAIT8.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had returned home limping and crying. A large wound was found on her hip, and her owner said that a BB pellet had fallen out of it when it was touched. The cat was taken to a veterinary hospital for treatment. The owner said that five other animals had been similarly injured in the area. A report was filed with authorities, but no suspects were identified.
June 2020/Kennewick, Washington: NBCRightNow.com reported that the bodies of two cats who were apparently homeless or allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been found mutilated. One was found decapitated on a resident’s property, and the second was found cut in half. Authorities reportedly said the animals had been “cut with an extremely sharp object.” They asked anyone with information to contact them, but no suspects were identified. YakTriNews.com later reported that two additional cats had been found cut in half in the area. NBCRightNow.com reported that a fifth cat had been found dead and mutilated in the area. Authorities reportedly said that “in each case it appears the cats had been killed elsewhere and then left where they were found.” Tri-CityHerald.com later reported that the mutilated bodies of two additional cats had been found in the area.
June 2020/Utica, New York: WKTV.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had returned home injured. He was taken to a veterinary hospital, where it was determined that he’d been shot and a projectile had lodged in his leg, which had to be amputated. Authorities were investigating, but no suspects were identified.
June 2020/Hot Springs Village, Arkansas: HSVVoice.com reported that an animal control officer had called the police department in May asking for assistance to capture an injured cat, who was homeless or allowed to roam outdoors without supervision. Officers were unable to capture the animal.
May 2020/Addison, Vermont: RutlandHerald.com reported that a cat described as a “barn cat” had apparently been found ill or injured and was taken to a veterinary hospital. He or she was euthanized before testing positive for rabies. No additional information was available.
May 2020/Des Moines, Iowa: KCRG.com reported that authorities had discovered a box containing nine apparently homeless kittens, two of them badly burned, when they responded to a report about a fire at a homeless camp. The animals were taken to an animal shelter, where two were reportedly found to “have burns on much of their bodies and [would] undergo surgery to remove burned tissue. They [were] being treated with pain medication and antibiotics.” Authorities were investigating, but no suspects were identified.
May 2020/West Mayfield Borough, Pennsylvania: WPXI.com reported that an unspecified number of cats who were homeless or allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been found dead in a neighborhood. One owner reportedly said she found her cat dead in her backyard without any signs of trauma. Poisoning was reportedly suspected. Authorities were investigating, but no suspects were identified.
May 2020/San Carlos Park, Florida: WINKNews.com reported that a cat who was homeless or allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been found with an arrow through his or her torso near the front shoulders. The animal was taken to a veterinary hospital, where he or she had to be euthanized because of the extent of the injuries. Authorities were investigating, but no suspects were identified.
May 2020/Seymour, Indiana: TribTown.com reported that a resident had called authorities to report that a cat who was apparently homeless or allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been shot in the eye with a BB gun. No additional information was available.
May 2020/Crisfield, Maryland: WMDT.com reported that an apparently homeless cat had bitten a resident. He or she died or was euthanized before testing positive for rabies. No additional details were available.
May 2020/Seminole County, Florida: TampaDispatch.com reported that authorities had issued a 60-day rabies alert after an apparently homeless cat died or was euthanized before testing positive for rabies. No additional information was available.
May 2020/Upper Milford Township, Pennsylvania: SauconSource.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been found wounded in the same area in which a roaming cat had been shot in the leg the previous month. The cat who was shot required a leg amputation. Authorities reportedly said of the second cat’s injuries that it “[appeared] to be another ‘malicious act.’” No suspects were identified, and no additional details were available.
May 2020/Lovettsville, Virginia: WJLA.com reported that an apparently homeless cat had been found injured. He or she was taken to a veterinary hospital, where the animal died or was euthanized before testing positive for rabies. Authorities asked anyone who may have had contact with the cat to contact them.
May 2020/Orange City, Iowa: NWestIowa.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had returned home limping and in pain. He was taken to a veterinary hospital, where it was determined that he’d been shot with a .22-caliber weapon and his leg had to be amputated. Authorities were investigating, but no suspects were identified.
May 2020/Dover, Delaware: DoverPost.com reported that an apparently homeless cat had been “[f]ound in a puddle, barely responsive, cold and completely dehydrated.” He was taken to an animal adoption group for treatment. No additional information was available.
May 2020/Hampton, Virginia: 13NewsNow.com reported that a homeless cat had bitten at least one person before he or she was euthanized and tested positive for rabies. No additional information was available.
May 2020/Pensacola, Florida: WKRG.com reported that a cat who was homeless or allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been found dazed and injured in traffic. He or she sought safety under a vehicle at a stop light, where authorities were able to capture the animal, who was apparently transported to an animal shelter. No additional information was available.
May 2020/Ballinger, Texas: RunnelsCountyRegister.com reported that residents had said that cats in the community had been “disappearing,” including five or six who had been sterilized and abandoned behind a business. A total of approximately 35 cats had “disappeared” in the community. One resident said a cat he’d apparently allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been poisoned. He suspected that one of his neighbor’s cats had also been poisoned. Authorities were notified, but no suspects were identified.
May 2020/Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Patch.com reported that an apparently homeless cat had been found emaciated and dehydrated. She was taken to a public animal shelter, where she underwent surgery to remove a foreign object, which turned out to be a plastic glove. A spokesperson for the shelter reportedly said that “[i]t’s likely that she had had the glove in her for several weeks.” She died after surgery.
May 2020/Darby, Pennsylvania: Patch.com reported that an apparently homeless cat had been found with an arrow through his body. He was taken to an animal adoption group, where he received medical treatment. He was expected to survive. Authorities were investigating, but no suspects were identified.
May 2020/Carlisle, Pennsylvania: Local21News.com reported that two homeless cats had died or were euthanized before testing positive for rabies. No additional information was available.
May 2020/Loudoun County, Virginia: WUSA9.com reported that in one month, three cats who were allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been shot in separate areas of the county. One of the animals had dragged herself home bleeding and unable to use her back legs, according to her owner. She was taken to a veterinary hospital, where it was determined that she’d been shot, shattering one of her legs in six places. She required surgery. Another cat reportedly “suffered gunshot wounds to the face and body.” The animals were reportedly expected to survive. Authorities were investigating, but no suspects were identified.
May 2020/Pocatello, Idaho: IdahoStateJournal.com reported that two cats who were allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been found mauled to death, apparently by two dogs who were also roaming without supervision. The cats were found dead in their owner’s driveway, and the dogs were reportedly “circling the cats.” One of the cats was described by the owner as “completely torn up,” and the other was described as “just demolished.” Three more cats were allegedly also found dead in the neighborhood. Authorities were called, and the dogs were impounded. No additional information was available.
May 2020/Charles Town, West Virginia: SpiritOfJefferson.com reported that a homeless cat had “darted out from under a shed” and attacked four people as they were walking by. The animal died or was euthanized before testing positive for rabies. The people who were attacked required post-exposure treatment.
May 2020/Las Vegas, Nevada: News3LV.com reported that an apparently homeless cat had been found by authorities unable to use his legs and with a wound on his back. It was believed that he’d been shot with a BB gun. He was taken to a veterinary hospital, where he was receiving treatment, and would likely not regain full use of one or more legs. Authorities were investigating, but no suspects were identified.
May 2020/Columbia, South Carolina: ABCNews4.com reported that an apparently homeless cat had been found with an arrow through his front legs. He was taken to an animal adoption group, which transferred him to a veterinary hospital. A veterinarian said that X-rays revealed that “the humerus [in one leg] was in at least four pieces right by the joint. It was infected and there were maggots in there.” The leg had to be amputated. Anyone with information about the incident was asked to call authorities. No suspects were identified.
May 2020/Big Pool, Maryland: HeraldMailMedia.com reported that an apparently homeless kitten had been attacked by wild animals. The kitten had evidently been handled by an unspecified number of people before dying or being euthanized and testing positive for rabies. No additional details were available.
April 2020/Kittitas County, Washington: DailyRecordNews.com reported that authorities had received a call from a resident reporting that an injured cat had been observed at an intersection. No additional information was available.
April 2020/Washington City, Utah: StGeorgeUtah.com reported that a homeless cat had been found by authorities with a steel-jaw trap clamped onto a hind leg. The animal was freed from the trap (which had apparently been set legally) and was transferred to an animal adoption group, which transferred him or her to a veterinary hospital. The badly damaged leg reportedly had to be amputated, and the cat was apparently expected to survive. A spokesperson for the adoption group said that at the time of the report, the group had five cats in its custody that had undergone surgeries to remove legs that had been damaged in steel-jaw traps.
April 2020/Sherman, Texas: WVLT.tv reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had returned home limping. He was taken to a veterinary hospital, where X-rays showed that a leg had shattered when he was shot with a BB gun. The leg had to be amputated. It wasn’t reported whether authorities were notified, but no suspects were identified.
April 2020/Towson, Maryland: BaltimoreSun.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been found lethargic and struggling to walk. He was taken to a veterinary hospital, where he “vomit[ed] uncontrollably and lost use of his limbs,” according to his owner. It was reportedly determined that he’d ingested poison, and he was euthanized. It wasn’t known whether he’d been poisoned intentionally.
April 2020/Bel Air, Maryland: Baltimore.CBSLocal.com reported that a homeless cat had died or was euthanized before testing positive for rabies. No additional information was available.
April 2020/Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: WESA.fm reported that a homeless cat had died or was euthanized before testing positive for rabies. No additional information was available.
April 2020/Framingham, Massachusetts: WHDH.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been found in late March “covered in blood and in obvious pain.” She was taken to a veterinary hospital, where it was determined that she’d been shot with a pellet gun. Authorities reportedly said, “X-rays revealed the pellet all but shattered [her] right elbow and caused shoulder damage on her left side …. She also suffered a lung contusion.” Her leg reportedly may have had to be amputated. Authorities were investigating, but no suspects were identified.
April 2020/Burke County, North Carolina: WCCBCharlotte.com reported that a cat who was homeless or allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had died or was euthanized before testing positive for rabies. No additional information was available.
April 2020/Merced, California: ABC30.com reported that a cat who was homeless or allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been attacked and killed by two dogs who were apparently being walked without leashes. According to the report, “A bystander got a video of the cat’s brutal death and says the owners just watched as the dogs charged the animal while off-leash.” Authorities were searching for the owners of the dogs.
April 2020/Hamilton, Virginia: LocalDVM.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been shot in the face. The cat’s owners reportedly told authorities that they “heard gunshots at around 4:00 in the afternoon and found their cat with wounds to [the animal’s] face and body.” The cat was taken to a veterinary hospital, where it was reportedly determined that “the wounds were probably caused by birdshot-type shotgun ammunition.” He or she was receiving treatment. Authorities were investigating, but no suspects were identified.
April 2020/Upper Milford Township, Pennsylvania: SauconSource.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been shot in the leg with an “unknown caliber weapon.” He or she was taken to a veterinary hospital, where the leg had to be amputated. Authorities were investigating, but no suspects were identified.
April 2020/Riverdale Park, Maryland: Patch.com reported that a homeless cat had scratched a resident before the animal died or was euthanized and tested positive for rabies. The resident required post-exposure treatment.
April 2020/Des Moines, Iowa: WeAreIowa.com reported that a homeless cat had been found injured. He was taken to an animal adoption group, which reported that he had a “massive, infected wound [that] covered about a third of [his] back like a giant, raw crater.” The wound was badly infected, and veterinary staff providing treatment reportedly believed that he’d “been living in pain for weeks, or possibly months, on his own without any medical care.” The cause of the injury was unknown.
April 2020/Shelburne, Massachusetts: WWLP.com reported that an unspecified number of cats who were allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been attacked by a rabid raccoon. No additional details were available.
April 2020/Sharpsburg, Maryland: HeraldMailMedia.com reported that an apparently homeless cat had died or was euthanized before testing positive for rabies. No additional details were available.
April 2020/Saugus, Massachusetts: Marblehead.WickedLocal.com reported that a patrol officer had been flagged down by a resident who had found an injured cat on a road. The resident reportedly took the animal to a veterinary hospital. No additional information was available.
March 2020/Readington Township, New Jersey: NewJerseyHills.com reported that an apparently homeless cat had died or was euthanized before testing positive for rabies. No additional details were available.
March 2020/Centereach, New York: Patch.com reported that a cat described as “semi-feral” who had been fed by a resident had been found decapitated in the resident’s yard. According to the report, “A veterinarian determined the injury was likely caused by a sharp tool rather than by animal attack …. The cat was also beaten, as X-rays showed trauma to the chest and broken ribs, authorities said.” No suspects were identified.
March 2020/Grand Rapids, Michigan: FOX17Online.com reported that a homeless cat had been found with a “severely injured eye.” He was taken to an animal adoption group, which transferred him to a veterinary hospital. According to the report, “[A] veterinarian performed an emergency surgery to remove the affected eye. During the surgery, a lump was found on [the cat’s] neck, which they determined was a bullet.” A spokesperson for the adoption group reportedly said that a bullet had gone “through his eye, ruptured his eyeball and lodged in his neck.” It wasn’t reported whether authorities were investigating, but no suspects were identified.
March 2020/Cincinnati, Ohio: FOX19.com reported that a homeless cat had been found injured in a backyard in Northern Kentucky. She was taken to an animal adoption group in Ohio, which apparently took her to a veterinary hospital. X-rays revealed that she’d been shot in the shoulder and that bullet fragments remained embedded in her body. Because she was pregnant, she was denied needed surgery. Her badly injured leg would reportedly eventually need to be amputated. Authorities were evidently not notified.
March 2020/Enfield, New Hampshire: VNews.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had returned home “crying and bleeding from his back leg.” He was taken to a veterinary hospital, where it was found that he’d been shot with a pellet gun. He received treatment and was expected to recover. Authorities were investigating, but no suspects were identified.
March 2020/Cutchogue, New York: Patch.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been found crying and unable to move his rear legs. He was taken to a veterinary hospital, where X-rays showed that he’d been shot with a pellet gun and that a projectile was embedded in his spinal column. He had to be euthanized because of the extent of the injuries sustained. Authorities were notified, but no suspects were identified.
March 2020/Smithsburg, Maryland: LocalDVM.com reported that a homeless cat had died or been euthanized before testing positive for rabies. At least one resident had been exposed to the virus. No additional information was available.
March 2020/Slippery Rock Township, Pennsylvania: EllwoodCityLedger.com reported that authorities had arrested a suspect who had allegedly shot a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision. The animal was taken to a veterinary hospital, where he or she had to be euthanized because of the extent of the injuries sustained. A witness reportedly said she saw the suspect “shoot the cat around 2:15 a.m. Jan. 9 in a nearby field.” He was “charged with aggravated cruelty to animals, using a firearm on a public road, cruelty to animals and disorderly conduct.”
March 2020/Kittitas County, Washington: DailyRecordNews.com reported that authorities had received two calls reporting that residents had found dead cats. One had reportedly been found in a yard, and another had been found on a sidewalk. No additional information was available.
March 2020/Volusia County, Florida: News-JournalOnline.com reported that an apparently homeless cat roaming around a mobile home park had died or been euthanized before testing positive for rabies. No additional information was available.
March 2020/Nevada County, California: TheUnion.com reported that a resident had called authorities to report that a cat who was homeless or allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been found dead in the middle of a road. The animal reportedly “appeared to have been set on fire.” No additional information was available.
March 2020/New Bloomfield, Pennsylvania: Local21News.com reported that a cat who was apparently allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been shot. He or she reportedly “later succumbed to [the] injuries.” Authorities were investigating, but no suspects were identified.
March 2020/Franklin, Idaho: IdahoStateJournal.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been found dead in his owner’s yard. Authorities reportedly “say the animal appears to have been shot with a .22 caliber gun.” They were investigating, but no suspects were identified.
March 2020/Mason, Michigan: FOX47News.com reported that an apparently homeless cat had been seen with an arrow through his abdomen, which had reportedly resulted in “a large wound.” He was reportedly “avoiding contact, but returning to the same area for food.” Authorities worked with residents and were able to capture the cat after several days. He was taken to a public animal shelter for treatment. No suspects were identified.
March 2020/Ukiah, California: UkiahDailyJournal.com reported that a cat who was homeless or allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been found on a resident’s property with “major injuries.” Authorities were called, and the animal was transported to a public animal shelter. No additional details were available.
March 2020/Owasso, Oklahoma: TulsaWorld.com reported that a manager at an Atwoods Ranch & Home store had been terminated after allegedly shooting a homeless cat to death with a pellet gun in a back room of the store. According to the report, “[A]ll other associates who were potentially involved have either been fired or suspended until the investigation is complete.” Authorities were investigating.
March 2020/Chestnuthill Township, Pennsylvania: TNOnline.com reported that a resident had “been charged with violating the Dog Law Act after her pit bulls attacked and killed a cat.” The cat apparently belonged to a neighbor and had been allowed to roam outdoors without supervision. A hearing date was set. No additional information was available.
March 2020/Greenwell Springs, Louisiana: WGNO.com reported that an apparently homeless cat had been seen with a dart in the abdomen. A resident reportedly said that “[t]he dart was several inches long, and it had a red tail.” She had tried to capture the cat but was unable to. It wasn’t reported whether authorities were notified, but no suspects were identified.
March 2020/Flathead County, Montana: FlatheadBeacon.com reported that a resident had “called 911 to ask what she should do with the injured cat [who] just walked into her house.” No additional information was available.
March 2020/Phoenix, Arizona: FOX10Phoenix.com reported that an apparently homeless kitten was rescued after she became trapped in a car engine. According to the report, “[M]oments” after her apparent release, she was hit by a car. She received treatment at a public animal shelter.
March 2020/Miramar, Florida: NBCMiami.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been shot with an arrow in her owner’s backyard. Surveillance footage reportedly captured a man entering the yard and “shining a light into some bushes before walking away. Moments later, the cat … is seen scurrying behind a couple of potted plants.” The owner reportedly said that the cat was found the next day “lying on the ground and not moving. After taking the cat to the vet for an x-ray, she says doctors found an arrow that pierced [the animal’s] spine.” She had to be euthanized. Authorities were notified, but no suspects were identified.
March 2020/Isle of Hope, Georgia: WSAV.com reported that a homeless cat who was taken in by a family had apparently fallen ill. He or she was taken to a veterinary hospital, where the animal died before testing positive for rabies. Those who had had contact with the cat were reportedly advised to seek medical advice.
March 2020/New York, New York: NYDailyNews.com reported that an apparently homeless cat had been found injured near the tracks of a subway train. One of his eyes was either severely damaged or missing, and a rail transit worker described him as “very hungry and very thirsty.” He was captured in a box trap and taken to an animal adoption group for treatment.
March 2020/Kittitas County, Washington: DailyRecordNews.com reported that authorities had received a report from a resident who said that a kitten who was homeless or allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been hit by a car. According to the report, “The reporting party held the kitten until [he or she] died.”
March 2020/Kissimmee, Florida: FOX35Orlando reported that a homeless cat who was fed by a resident had been shot with a BB gun. She was taken to a veterinary hospital, where it was “found that she has a shattered metacarpal which is the toe joint,” according to the resident. Authorities were investigating and had reportedly identified a suspect.
March 2020/Cape Carteret, North Carolina: WNCT.com reported that a cat who had escaped his or her home had been found shot to death. Authorities were investigating, but no suspects were identified. No additional details were available.
February 2020/Carroll County, Maryland: BaltimoreSun.com reported that a homeless cat had been observed “acting strangely.” Authorities were called and contained the animal, who either died or was euthanized before testing positive for rabies. According to the report, “Because neighbors reported that several people feed stray cats in the area, the Health Department is concerned that someone may have been exposed to the rabies virus.”
February 2020/Hawkins County, Tennessee: TimesNews.net reported that a resident had called authorities to report that she had seen two roaming dogs attack and kill a cat who was homeless or allowed to roam outdoors without supervision under her mobile home. “The attack was so violent it broke a PVC pipe under the residence and tore out the cable TV wiring,” according to the report. No additional information was available.
February 2020/Neenah, Wisconsin: NBC26.com reported that an apparently homeless cat had been found next to a garbage can with two broken legs. She was taken to an animal adoption group, which transferred her to a veterinary hospital, where it was determined that she’d likely been “struck by a car because both left legs were severely injured.” A rear femur was reportedly “broken into 5 pieces.” She underwent surgery and was apparently expected to survive.
February 2020/San Juan Island, Washington: SanJuanIslander.com reported that authorities had received a report from a resident who said that her cat, who was apparently allowed to roam outdoors without supervision, had been shot. No additional information was available.
February 2020/Waco, Texas: KWTX.com reported that an apparently homeless cat had been found badly burned. She was taken to an animal adoption group, which transferred her to an emergency veterinary hospital. A spokesperson for the group reportedly said, “She had burn injuries on her paws. Her nose and whiskers were singed off and her coat was about half the length it should have been. … She was extremely dehydrated and we were really worried about her going into shock. We also had to put her on some antibiotics to combat any infections from the burn wounds.” It wasn’t known how she’d sustained the burns. She was expected to survive.
February 2020/Frederick, Maryland: WJLA.com reported that a homeless cat had been found apparently ill or injured. The animal died or was euthanized before testing positive for rabies. No additional information was available.
February 2020/Homewood, Alabama: ABC3340.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had to undergo a 45-day observation period after being attacked by a rabid raccoon. No additional information was available.
February 2020/Bonney Lake, Washington: TheNewsTribune.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been found in his owner’s backyard wobbling, bleeding, and crying out. He was taken to a veterinary hospital, where X-rays showed that he’d been shot, breaking his jaw and leaving pellets or bullets embedded in his body. He had to be euthanized because of the extent of the injuries. The cat’s owner reportedly “has a Ring doorbell, which captures footage and audio of nearby movement and plays on a phone app. On the day of the shooting, the app recorded someone with a plastic bag and a red, compact car. [The cat’s owner] said in the audio, a male voice is heard asking, ‘Is it still alive?’ Another male voice started laughing and said, ‘Barely.’” Authorities were investigating, but no suspects were identified.
February 2020/Marked Tree, Arkansas: WMCActionNews5.com reported that, according to a police department press release, seven cats, two dogs, and two opossums had been found dead in a neighborhood during a period of 48 to 72 hours. The owner of one of the dogs and one of the cats, who were allowed to roam outdoors without supervision, said that she found her dog’s body in her driveway and that her cat was found dead in the driveway of an abandoned home. “We started looking around the houses and we noticed several cats. Just one, two, three,” she said. Cat food found inside the abandoned home appeared contaminated. The woman said that she’d had it tested and the results showed the presence of a pesticide called Temik. Authorities were investigating, but no suspects were identified.
February 2020/Kendall, Florida: MiamiHerald.com reported that a man had been arrested and charged with cruelty to animals after authorities received a report from an individual who said he witnessed the suspect “choking and slamming a cat on the ground, and then throwing the cat by the trash bin area” at a neighborhood park. According to the report, responding officers found the suspect at the park, “sitting on a bench with ‘animal hair all over’ his hands, arms, legs and face, police said. He also had animal feces on his shorts, scratches on his arms and legs and ‘blood and cat fur’ on him. Cops later found a dead cat in a nearby trash can.” The suspect reportedly “told officers that he was sitting on the bench and the cat attacked him.”
February 2020/Palmetto Bay, Florida: Local10.com reported that at least two cats who were allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been attacked and killed by a pack of dogs, who were also roaming unsupervised. The attacks were captured by video surveillance cameras. One of the cameras captured footage of a cat being grabbed by a dog. His dead body was later found in a neighbor’s yard by the cat’s owner. Another camera showed the fatal attack on a second cat. Authorities had reportedly been unable to locate the dogs.
February 2020/Arlington, Virginia: WTOP.com reported that a cat who was apparently homeless had been found in West Virginia with an arrow through his head. He was taken to an animal adoption group in Arlington, Virginia, and he “was rushed to surgery …. The vet team worked for two hours to safely remove the 5-inch arrow, including using bolt cutters to remove the arrowhead.” The wounds created by the arrow had reportedly become severely infected. It wasn’t reported whether authorities were notified, but no suspects were identified. WBRC.com reported, “The arrow went through the cat’s face and into his shoulder blade.” Photographs shared by the adoption group showed that the cat had apparently been neutered and abandoned in a trap-neuter-reabandon program, as his ear had been previously “tipped.” According to a spokesperson for the group, “The veterinarian believed that the arrow had been there for at least a week.”
February 2020/South Euclid, Ohio: Cleveland.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been found seriously injured. The animal was taken to a veterinary hospital but died during surgery. A surgeon reportedly “removed a pellet from the cat’s left thigh. The vet also found cuts on the cat’s head and ears that had the ‘clinical appearance of knife wounds,’ police said.” Authorities asked anyone with information about the attack to contact them, but no suspects were identified.
February 2020/Groton, New York: Ithaca.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been shot with a BB or an airsoft gun. She had reportedly been “shot behind one of her ears, which required stitches to repair.” A dog who was outdoors without supervision had also been shot and survived. Authorities investigated, but no suspects were identified.
February 2020/Middletown, Ohio: FOX19.com reported that a kitten who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been found dead in a box on his owner’s doorstep. The owner said he’d sustained “obvious trauma. ‘Like somebody actually stepped on him or smashed him in a door [or] something,’ she said.” A note was left next to his body that reportedly read, “Keep your cats in the house. This is some bulls***.” Authorities were notified, but no suspects were identified.
February 2020/Rock Hill, South Carolina: SCDHEC.gov reported that four residents had been exposed to rabies after having contact with a homeless cat who died or was euthanized before testing positive for the virus. They were told to seek post-exposure treatment.
February 2020/Bainbridge, Georgia: WTXL.com reported that three cats who were allowed to roam outdoors without supervision in a neighborhood had been shot. One was shot with a .22-caliber weapon, and another was shot with a pellet gun. They reportedly survived. A third cat, who was shot with a pellet gun, was taken to a veterinary hospital but didn’t survive. His owner said that she was told “he had a hole in his lung.” Authorities were notified, but no suspects were identified.
February 2020/Coon Rapids, Minnesota: KARE11.com reported that a homeless cat had been “found in a sewer with his leg frozen to the ground, and he was drifting in and out of consciousness.” Authorities transported him to an animal adoption group where it was “found that he had a broken pelvis, and extensive frostbite on his rear leg and tail.” His tail and a toe had to be amputated. He was expected to survive.
February 2020/ Wilbarger County, Texas: TexomasHomepage.com reported that a homeless cat had been found after having been shot with an arrow. The cat was taken to an animal adoption group, where he or she had to be euthanized because of the extent of the injuries sustained. Authorities were investigating, but no suspects were identified.
February 2020/Mt. Eden, Kentucky: WHAS11.com reported that a homeless cat had been “found with dry blood and with dozens of buckshot pellets in his body.” A resident apparently called an animal adoption group when the cat, whom she’d seen roaming the area regularly, returned after he’d been missing “for weeks” with what appeared to be a broken leg. He was taken to a veterinary hospital, where an X-ray showed “dozens of pellets in the cat’s leg and some even in his chest. The vets believe the wounds are two to three months old. … While his broken leg is stable, he is still in pain.” The veterinarian treating him said, “While it is uncomfortable and his foot is extremely deformed he can’t use it.” The leg would reportedly have to be amputated. Authorities were investigating, but no suspects were identified.
February 2020/Washington, D.C.: WTOP.com reported, “A man wanted on an animal cruelty charge refused to surrender to police Monday morning, touching off a barricade situation that lasted about two hours and prompted two nearby schools to lock down, authorities said.” The arrest warrant was the result of an August 2019 investigation in which six kittens had been found evidently roaming outdoors without supervision and suffering from severe upper respiratory infections at the property. An unspecified number of kittens were apparently seized. A spokesperson for an adoption group that assisted in that case reportedly said, “One kitten’s upper respiratory infection was so severe that it caused an ulcer in one of his eyes to develop and rupture, leaving the kitten … in incredible discomfort.” His eye had to be surgically removed. After the standoff, “the man surrendered and was arrested.”
February 2020/Austin, Texas: FOX7Austin.com reported that a man had been arrested and charged with cruelty to animals for allegedly trapping a cat in a box trap and shooting the animal to death with an air rifle. Responding to a call, a police officer reportedly “saw through the crack of a fence a man resting a brown air rifle against the side of the house and then placing a small black and white cat inside a plastic garbage bag.” The suspect “told officers he shot the cat with a BB gun because [the animal] was tearing up the cushions on his patio furniture. He said he captured the cat in a metal cage and then used the air rifle to kill [the animal] … [and that] he had called animal control several times about cats ruining his furniture, but nothing was done.”
February 2020/Vermilion, Ohio: ChronicleT.com reported that an apparently homeless cat had been found unable to move, “huddled next to an electric meter” at a business. A worker said, “Half of him was frozen. All his hair was wet and frozen on one side, he couldn’t move. His paws were bright pink.” He was taken indoors and placed in a box with a blanket and some rags, where he reportedly “shivered non-stop for a couple of hours,” according to another worker. After nearly five hours, he was taken to a veterinary hospital. A veterinarian reportedly said that he was “dehydrated and running a high temperature from an abscess near his back legs.” She stated, “He’s not walking, but right now I can’t tell if it’s because of the abscess or if something else is going on, like an orthopedic injury.” The workers planned to try to raise the funds needed to pay for testing and treatment.
February 2020/Fall River, Massachusetts: ABC6.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been found injured in the owner’s yard. He was taken to a veterinary hospital, where, according to his owner, X-rays showed that the cat had been shot with a BB gun and a pellet had become lodged in his spine. He was reportedly “paralyzed by the BB and could no longer go to the bathroom, resulting in a urinary tract obstruction.” He had to be euthanized because of the severity of the injuries. Authorities were investigating, but no suspects were identified.
February 2020/Lewiston, Maine: WMTW.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been shot twice. Authorities reportedly believed that the weapon used was a handgun or rifle. The cat’s owner reportedly said that the animal hadn’t been seen for a few hours before being heard “howling” outside. He or she was found injured and taken to a veterinary hospital, where it was determined that “the cat had been shot twice and one of the bullets was lodged in the cat’s chest.” One of the animal’s legs reportedly required amputation. Authorities were investigating, but no suspects were identified.
February 2020/Granville, New York: PostStar.com reported that a man had been charged with cruelty to animals “for allegedly shooting a neighbor’s cat with an air rifle.” The cat had apparently been allowed to roam outdoors without supervision and had been found injured. He or she was taken to a veterinary hospital for treatment. No additional information was available.
February 2020/Moreno Valley, California: PE.com reported that a cat who was homeless or allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been found crying with her head trapped in the rim of a vehicle’s tire. Responding firefighters were able to remove the tire and took it and the cat to a nearby station, where a power saw was used to free her. She was then transported to a public animal shelter to be evaluated.
February 2020/Edgewater, New Jersey: NorthJersey.com reported that an apparently homeless cat had died or was euthanized before testing positive for rabies. No additional information was available.
February 2020/Neenah, Wisconsin: WBAY.com reported that a homeless kitten had been found injured and frightened amid piles of trash at a county dump. An animal adoption group was called and transported her to a veterinary hospital, where her tail had to be amputated. A spokesperson for the group said that “the end of it was all mangled and pretty infected, and yucky. And her ear is kind of ripped off.” The kitten was expected to survive.
February 2020/New York, New York: ABC7NY.com reported that an apparently homeless kitten had been found injured in a garbage can. Authorities were notified and transported the animal to a municipal shelter for treatment. No additional information was available.
January 2020/Marietta, Georgia: AJC.com reported that a homeless kitten had been found ill or injured. A man and woman were scratched by the animal when they transported him or her to a veterinary hospital, where two technicians were bitten before the kitten died or was euthanized and tested positive for rabies. All the people exposed received post-exposure treatment.
January 2020/Hampton, Virginia: WAVY.com reported that a cat who was apparently allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been found badly injured with a steel-jaw trap clamped onto her leg. She was taken to a veterinary hospital, where efforts were made to save the leg, which may have required amputation. According to the report, the matter was “under investigation by Hampton Animal Control and the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.”
January 2020/New York, New York: SILive.com reported that at least three cats who were part of a colony of homeless cats who had been sterilized and re-abandoned by a self-professed animal “rescue” group doing business as Strays Hope for Life Rescue on Staten Island had been found severely injured. One animal was found so badly injured that he or she was immediately euthanized. Another “was hospitalized for one week with broken bones, a punctured lung and numerous bite wounds before the veterinarian determined the injuries were so extensive that [he or she] also needed to be euthanized,” according to a spokesperson for the group. A third cat had reportedly been “seen on a security camera with a missing leg and dragging the lower half of [his or her] body” and had not been seen since. It was believed that one or more dogs who were also roaming unsupervised had attacked the animals.
January 2020/Ellicott City, Maryland: BaltimoreSun.com reported that a homeless cat who may have been part of colony of cats in the area had been found either ill or dead. After dying or being euthanized, the animal tested positive for rabies. Authorities were reportedly “looking for anyone who may have come in contact with a feral cat since Jan. 15. Also any pet owners who believe their pet has made contact with a feral cat should alert the county health department.” No additional details were available.
January 2020/Des Moines, Iowa: WHOTV.com reported that a cat who was apparently allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been found behind a business suffering from severe burns. “Her paws, legs and face were burned and raw. The tips of her ears and whiskers were burned off,” according to the report. A police officer transported her to an animal shelter, where a spokesperson reportedly said, “She’s going to require intensive care for an extended period of time.” It wasn’t known how the injuries were sustained.
January 2020/Berkeley Springs, West Virginia: MorganMessenger.com reported that a cat who was described as an “outside pet” who “looked like [he or she] had tangled with some kind of animal” had bitten the owner. The cat developed neurological symptoms and was euthanized before testing positive for rabies. No additional details were available.
January 2020/New Castle, Pennsylvania: WKBN.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been shot. He or she had to be euthanized because of the extent of the injuries. Authorities were investigating, but no suspects were identified. No additional information was available.
January 2020/Luling, Louisiana: HeraldGuide.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been found bleeding from a puncture wound. She was taken to a veterinary hospital, where an X-ray revealed that she’d been shot with a pellet gun. Her owner said that hospital staff “said judging from the entry wound, she’d been shot at close proximity, or they pumped the pellet gun up pretty high. It went through her abdomen and it did too much damage. There was no way to save her.” The cat was euthanized. Authorities were notified, but no suspects were identified.
January 2020/Alberta, Canada: NARCity.com reported that three apparently homeless kittens had been found near a road with two of their tails frozen onto the ice. A good Samaritan used warm coffee to release their tails and took all three of them home. He reported that they’d been adopted.
January 2020/Flathead County, Montana: DailyInterLake.com reported that authorities had received a report alleging that a neighbor had shot a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision. The caller also said that the neighbor “might have shot another neighbor’s cat.” Responding officers reportedly advised the accused of “alternative ways to handle cats [who] wander onto his property.” A local business had also called authorities to report a sick cat who was homeless or allowed to roam outdoors. The cat was no longer at the location when an officer arrived. No additional details were available.
January 2020/Brookhaven, Mississippi: DailyLeader.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had allegedly been shot with a pellet gun. His owner reportedly said that he was taken to a veterinary hospital, where he underwent surgery to remove a pellet embedded in his knee. The previous month, another area cat had reportedly been shot with a .22-caliber weapon. She was also taken to a veterinary hospital and underwent surgery. Her owner said that she was “beginning a long recovery to adjust to screws in her leg and hip. The bullet couldn’t be removed.” It wasn’t reported whether authorities were investigating.
January 2020/Fall River, Massachusetts: Patch.com reported that an apparently homeless cat had been found injured, sick, and frail. He was taken to a veterinary hospital, where an X-ray showed that he had 15 BB pellets in his body, including eight in his head. He was also diagnosed with a kidney condition. He was receiving treatment. It wasn’t reported whether authorities were notified, but no suspects were identified.
January 2020/Fort Smith, Arkansas: 5NewsOnline.com reported that an apparently homeless cat had been found by a sheriff’s deputy “nearly frozen” with wounds to his rear legs. An animal adoption group was called and transported the animal for treatment of the wounds and for hypothermia. A spokesperson for the group said that it had also admitted a cat who had been found on the side of a road “with terrible wounds” and required the amputation of her tail.
January 2020/Terre Haute, Indiana: WIBQAM.com reported that two apparently homeless kittens had been found trapped in a storm drain. One of the kittens’ paws were “stuck to the drain’s lid.” A passerby who worked at a nearby business said, “We called waste water services …. They came and pulled the manhole out and brought him inside and got his paws unstuck.” She said that this was “the third time within the last week that they’ve saved a kitten.” Another cat had been found trapped inside a Dumpster. The animals were reportedly adopted out.
January 2020/Mitchell, Nebraska: StarHerald.com reported that authorities had arrested a man after a witness saw him kick and stomp an apparently homeless cat to death. A child reportedly “told police that he had witnessed [the accused] kill the cat by kicking [the animal] and he witnessed him throw the dead cat into a pen” at a feed yard. The accused also allegedly shot a dog to death at the same location, according to an employee at the business. He was arrested “on two counts of cruelty to an animal, a Class IIIA felony, and committing child abuse by neglect, a Class I misdemeanor.”
January 2020/Dulac, Louisiana: HoumaTimes.com reported that a resident had been arrested and charged with aggravated cruelty to animals and illegal use of a weapon after authorities were notified that two children had seen him shoot a cat who was homeless or allowed to roam outdoors without supervision. He allegedly shot the cat from his porch with a .22-caliber rifle. Responding animal control personnel transported the animal to the municipal shelter, where a veterinarian “performed emergency surgery on the feline to remove the spleen and repair the intestines,” according to a shelter spokesperson. The cat remained in critical condition.
January 2020/Council Bluffs, Iowa: NonpareilOnline.com reported that four apparently homeless kittens had been found in different areas of the community with severe injuries. They were taken to an animal adoption group, where they were provided with medical treatment. One kitten had sustained a fractured pelvis, two required leg amputations, and one required the surgical placement of a steel rod in an injured leg.
January 2020/Oconee County, South Carolina: Live5News.com reported that a cat who was homeless or allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had scratched a resident. The animal died or was euthanized before testing positive for rabies. No further information was available.
January 2020/Greensboro, North Carolina: WFMyNews2.com reported that an apparently homeless kitten had been found with serious chemical burns on over a third of his body. He was taken to a veterinary hospital for treatment. A woman who was fostering the kitten said, “There were parts of [him] falling off all over the place.” His medical treatment was expected to take weeks. It wasn’t known how he’d been injured.
January 2020/Uhrichsville, Ohio: TimesReporter.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been shot with an arrow. A responding sheriff’s deputy transported him or her to an animal adoption group for treatment. A neighbor confessed to authorities and “had matching arrows in his possession and stated that he did it because stray cats in the neighborhood kept getting on his wife’s (Jeep),” the sheriff reportedly said in an e-mail. A report was submitted to the prosecutor’s office.
January 2020/Pembroke Pines, Florida: Local10.com reported that a homeless kitten had been found with her tail apparently purposefully chopped off at the base. A resident reportedly “spent days trying to catch the cat, eventually using a trap baited with food. Then she saw the clean cut to the tail.” The kitten was taken to a veterinary hospital for treatment. X-rays and photographs were reportedly shared with a forensic veterinary specialist, who believed that the cut may have been caused by a machete or a similar weapon, according to the resident. A police report was filed, but no suspects were identified.
January 2020/Bradenton, Florida: MySunCoast.com reported that five homeless cats who had been fed by residents had been found dead. The body of one was taken to a veterinary hospital, where it was confirmed that “the cat was poisoned and shot with a .22 caliber gun,” according to a resident who puts cat food outdoors. She reportedly said that some area residents perceived roaming cats to be a nuisance. Authorities were investigating, but no suspects were identified.
January 2020/Seminole County, Florida: WFTV.com reported that a homeless cat died or was euthanized before testing positive for rabies. No additional details were available.
January 2020/Griswold, Connecticut: WFSB.com reported that a homeless cat either died or was euthanized before testing positive for rabies. No additional details were available.
January 2020/Daphne, Alabama: WKRG.com reported that an apparently homeless cat had been found badly injured on the side of a road. She was taken to a public animal shelter, which transferred her to an adoption group. The group reported that “she needs surgery to remove her right eyeball and close the socket.” She was being treated at a veterinary hospital. No additional details were available.
January 2020/Louisville, Kentucky: WHAS11.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been attacked and killed by a dog who was being walked without a leash. Surveillance footage reportedly captured the attack. The dog’s owner was facing charges.
January 2020/Palm Bay, Florida: FloridaToday.com reported that an apparently homeless cat died or was euthanized before testing positive for rabies. No additional details were available.
January 2020/Secaucus, New Jersey: NorthJersey.com reported that an apparently homeless cat had been found “alone with severe burns on his ears and tail and in desperate need of medical attention.” He was taken to a veterinary hospital, where it was reportedly determined that the injuries had been caused by acid. A “large portion of [his] tail and parts of both of his ears” had to be amputated. He was recovering at a local adoption group. A spokesperson for the group said, “Stray cats in the area have been given rat poison and mothballs in an effort to get rid of them … and [he] could have fallen victim to an aggressive attack.” He was expected to survive.
January 2020/Morrisville Borough, Pennsylvania: LevittownNow.com reported that authorities had found 24 homeless cats hoarded in an unheated car by a man who said he “had been trying to keep them out of the elements.” It was believed that he had found the animals after they were abandoned at an apartment complex. A spokesperson for a local adoption group reportedly said that she “is aware there are cat colonies in the area … and it’s not uncommon for people to leave their felines behind when they move from nearby apartments.” The animals were surrendered to authorities and were “being treated for various ailments, including fleas, dehydration, and being underweight.” No charges were being considered.
January 2020/Corpus Christi, Texas: KZTV10.com reported that a cat who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision had been attacked and killed by a pack of homeless dogs who had been roaming a neighborhood. The cat’s owner said that she found the cat dead. The dogs had also attacked and badly injured a resident’s dog who was allowed to roam outdoors without supervision. Authorities were reportedly trying to capture the dogs.
January 2020/Orange County, Florida: ClickOrlando.com reported that a high school student had been charged with cruelty to animals in connection to a snapchat video he posted that showed him picking up a homeless cat by the tail and throwing the animal “above his head across the length of several parking spaces. The video showed the cat flipping in the air with [his or her] legs stretched out but it did not show the cat landing, records show.” Authorities searched the apartment complex where the video was evidently recorded but were unable to find the cat. It wasn’t known whether the animal survived the attack.
January 2020/Tri-Cities, Washington: KEPRTV.com reported that a cat described as a “community cat” had been found covered with toxic spray paint. He was taken to a veterinary hospital for treatment. No additional details were available.
January 2020/Frankstown Township, Pennsylvania: PennLive.com reported that a homeless cat had been found after being shot with a crossbow. A police spokesperson reportedly said that authorities believed that “the cat was shot sometime within the last week.” No additional details were available.
January 2020/Inverness, Florida: CitrusGazette.com reported that a resident had been bitten by a homeless cat before the animal died or was euthanized and tested positive for rabies. The resident was receiving post-exposure treatment.
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