Pittston vet offers reward for maimed cat

By Sherry Long slong@timesleader.comStaff Writer

A veterinarian is offering a $1,000 reward leading to the capture and prosecution of the person who maimed a cat using a bow and arrow.

An off-duty police officer brought the male cat to Pittston Animal Hospital shortly after 6 p.m. Friday because he knew Dr. Inayat Kathio accepted pro-bono cases on animals in dire situations.

The officer found the cat in the woods as he hiked near his Shickshinny home, Kathio said.

The cat lost a great deal of blood as the arrow entered near the cat’s spine and to the rear of its lungs. Kathio removed the arrow during an hour-long operation.

Kathio believes someone intentionally hit the cat. “It was shot point-blank right into the body,” he said.

Kathio determined the cat was attacked about a week ago because the wound was old and began to smell.

“The poor thing was looking for food to survive,” he said.

After the cat recovers, Kathio wants to reunite the cat with his owner, adding the owner will not be charged for the services he’s provided.