Appeal for information after cat shot with crossbow

August 25 2009

The RSPCA of Western Australia is appealing for information after a 9 month-old female cat was shot with a crossbow in Toodyay last week. The cat, 'Pfeiffer' defied all the odds by surviving the cowardly attack which left a broken bolt, measuring 8 inches, lodged in her chest cavity.

"There are two things that strike you about this" said Richard Barry, spokesman for the RSPCA. "The first is the sheer luck that visited Pfeiffer after the attack: Looking at her wounds, she should not have survived and it is nothing short of a miracle that she is still alive.

"The second thing that strikes you is the image of someone aiming a deadly weapon at a defenceless animal and pulling the trigger to ensure maximum damage, maximum pain. The cowardice behind this attack is sickening."

Pfeiffer dissapeared from home early on Wednesday 19th August which was very unusual according to her owner. She returned 24 hours later with the broken shaft of a crossbow lodged in her chest cavity.

"Pfeiffer had obviously tried to pull the bolt out of her chest as both ends of the broken bolt had been chewed" said Barry, "she really is an extremely fortunate and resilient cat."

Witnesses who may have seen the incident in Toodyay are asked to call the RSPCA on 9209 9300 or click here to fill out a complaint form.