Parekklisia, Cyprus. A stray cat is recovering after being shot multiple times on Wednesday night in the Limassol district village of Parekklisia, according to animal welfare volunteer Olga Korobintseva. Police were informed on Friday and are investigating the incident.
Incident in Parekklisia
Korobintseva told the Cyprus Mail that the shooting happened at around 9.30pm near Chateau Punin in Parekklisia, where a local volunteer has been caring for a colony of stray cats for years.
She said several gunshots were heard, prompting the volunteer, her husband and neighbours to run outside to see what had happened.
Cat found injured
Moments later, one of the cats was found seriously injured. A quadbike was seen speeding away from the area, but witnesses were unable to identify it.
Korobintseva said the vehicle was already leaving and that nobody could make out any details.
Veterinary treatment
The cat was taken to the small animals’ clinic in Limassol, where veterinarians carried out emergency examinations.
Korobintseva said X-rays revealed at least ten pellets in the cat’s body and that one bullet is lodged in the spinal column.
She said the animal remains in a stable condition but has suffered severe injuries. According to the latest update she received, serious treatment is needed, and during the examination there was no response from the hind legs.
Investigation
A veterinary report is still being prepared, while the police are investigating the incident.