A cat in the Ilirska Bistrica area came home after several days away with a broken leg and an air-rifle pellet in its hindquarters. The vet who examined it found the injuries too severe to treat, and the cat was put to sleep. Police are investigating the case as suspected animal cruelty. As of 13 October, nobody has been identified.

The case was announced by the Koper Police Administration and reported by Žurnal24, 24ur, Primorske novice and Lokalec from 11 October.

What happened

The owner went to the police late last week after the cat returned visibly hurt. A veterinary exam found the fracture and the pellet. According to the police, officers inspected the scene and secured the cat's body for further investigation, and they're gathering information to find out who did it. Primorske novice reported that officers are still looking for the unknown person responsible.

Police haven't said where or when the cat was shot, or how the leg was broken.

A wider problem

The Horjul animal shelter wasn't involved with this cat but was told about the case. It told 24ur that cats shot with air rifles, or brought in with broken bones, are common across Slovenia. It added that many fractures come from collisions with cars, and that closer supervision by owners could prevent much of that harm.

Deliberately hurting an animal is a criminal offense in Slovenia. Žurnal24 notes that a proven serious form of animal cruelty can bring up to two years in prison.

What we know and don't know yet

Known: the cat had a broken leg and a pellet in its body, it was put to sleep, and police are treating the case as suspected cruelty.

Not known: who fired the shot, where the cat was during the days it was missing, and whether there have been similar cases nearby. Police haven't released more details.

If you live around Ilirska Bistrica and saw or heard something, you can call the police on 113, or anonymously on 080 1200.

What it means for cat owners

Outdoor cats sometimes stay out for a day or two. If yours comes back hurt, act quickly.

  • If your cat comes home limping, hiding, or with a wound you can't explain, take it to a vet the same day. Tell the vet everything you noticed, including how long the cat was gone.
  • If the vet finds a pellet or signs that someone hurt your cat on purpose, report it to the police on 113. Ask for a copy of the vet's findings and take photos of the injuries.
  • Suspected neglect or cruelty that isn't an emergency can also go to the veterinary inspection at UVHVVR, Slovenia's food safety and veterinary administration.
  • Talk to your neighbors. Someone may have heard or seen something.

We'll follow this case and update it if police name a suspect or file charges.

Sources