OKEECHOBEE -- OCSO Deputy James Hartsfield responded to a call on Jan. 14 regarding a feral cat with an arrow protruding from its body. Mrs. Virginia Smith, Northeast 326th Trail, explained she regularly places food out for the feral cats in the neighborhood, and shortly after placing food out that morning she noticed a red cat eating from one of the dishes. She realized, after taking a closer look, the animal had an arrow protruding from both sides of its abdomen.

Deputy Hartsfield also observed the cat and reported the arrow entered and exited just below the spine in front of the rear hips. The cat was placed in a cage for animal control. Mrs. Smith stated she had no idea who could have done this. The arrow turned out to be a red cross bow bolt with yellow fins.

Animal control took possession of the cat and due to the severity of its injuries, it was humanely euthanized.