Cat euthanized Tuesday after being shot with a pellet gun in a Port Salerno neighborhood

PORT SALERNO − A cat that was severely injured after being shot by a pellet gun in the area of Southeast Mitzi Lane and Southeast Dell Street had to be euthanized Tuesday, according to the Martin County Sheriff's Office.

A resident on Southeast Mitzi Lane reported seeing a female cat named "Kitty Kitty" dragging herself by her front legs across the street at approximately 12:16 p.m. A Sheriff's Office investigation found that the cat had been shot in the middle of her back by a pellet gun, resulting in "immediate paralysis."

The incident happened in the Manatee Creek community, which is southeast of Hibiscus Park and northwest of Heritage Ridge North, in Stuart.

The cat's owner told detectives "Kitty Kitty" was home at 7 a.m. Tuesday and appeared to be fine but by noon, she was found injured and in extreme distress.

Certified Animal Services Officer Amanda Heffron on Thursday said the cat lived indoors but was known to go outside too.

"She was tiny; she was maybe a six pound cat," Heffron said. "She was under a year old."

Heffron said an orange-and-white cat who belonged to the same owner was spotted with "Kitty Kitty" and would not leave her side.

"The two cats must have been together when the incident happened," Heffron said. "It's heartbreaking."

Investigators scoured the neighborhood looking for homeowners with front door or security cameras, but so far they have come up empty handed, Heffron said.

She said people don't always know to call and report seeing an injured animal or a case of suspected animal cruelty.

"This kind of behavior is unacceptable and it's unnecessary," Heffron said. "If anyone has information, please bring it forward, and we can get justice for this cat and any past cats that have dealt with this issue."

Sheriffs officials are asking for the public's help to identify the person responsible. Anyone with additional information can call the Martin County Sheriff’s Office at 772-220-7000.

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Olivia Franklin is a breaking news reporter for TCPalm. Follow Olivia on X @Livvvvv_5 or reach her by phone at 317-627-8048. E-mail her at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Cat euthanized after being shot by a pellet gun in Port Salerno