A Glenwood family is reeling in grief after the sudden death of their two-year-old cat Oliver due to a pellet gun shooting.

Oliver fell victim to a senseless shooting on June 30. When he didn’t return home at his usual evening time, the family went on a frantic search the following morning and were met with a gruesome discovery.

At a neighbour’s property on Lena Ahrens Road, Oliver laid motionless in the property bush, behind a short wall. Oliver’s owner, Peter Criticos, laced in obvious grief, told the story.

“Oliver, like most cats, usually wandered around the neighbours’ block and would always return home. That evening he didn’t. We embarked on a search the following morning and found him, immobile but showing signs of life. We quickly grabbed him and rushed to the Umbilo Veterinary Clinic,” Criticos said.

Upon arrival at the clinic, the vet examined the cat and discovered that he had been shot and the bullet went through and lodged in his spinal cord.

“The back legs had no sensation at all, and it was apparent that Oliver was totally paralysed and could never have a normal life. A decision was made to euthanise him, as no quality of life could be restored,” said Criticos.

Criticos shared that Oliver’s sudden death has devastated the family, as they hoped that he would be part of their lives longer. Mentioning that this is the second cat that the family had to bid farewell to, after one was knocked down by a car, and another died of suspected poisoning.

The family has since opened a case with Umbilo SAPS (case number available), and they are in the process of engaging the SPCA for further investigation. Criticos said that although they are gonna allow law enforcement to play their role, they do believe that someone in the vicinity has a mission to harm pets and monkeys. And in the meantime, they will brave through the trauma.

“Because on that day, there was a massive troop of monkeys in the neighbourhood. There have been many cases of attacks on monkeys. It all seems odd, unsettling, and suspicious. If someone is shooting at cats and monkeys, it is a problem. These creatures should be allowed to roam freely, as they are harmless to humankind. Now people are scared to let their pets out of their yards.

“I honestly cannot understand how people can be so cruel. And it is apparent that they are in the vicinity of where the cat was found, because he could not run very far after he was shot,” said Criticos.

Also read: Durban SPCA delighted by generous donation

On behalf of the Bulwer Safety Animal Fund, Heather Ross shared, “The pet lovers and the community are outraged and horrified at how someone could intentionally harm a defenseless creature. The person who did this must be brought to book. It must not have been the first time the perpetrators have shot at animals. Ther has been many missing cats in the vicinity”.

Roos, noting that it is very costly for owners to take pets to a vet when they are injured, said, “We have a very active and helpful pets’ group for lost and found pets in our community. Also, a Bulwer Safety Animal Fund that we set up at Umbilo Vet for any animals in need that are found on our streets and roads that need medical assistance. Even if the cat or dog is feral or stray, they still need to be helped. Residents graciously donate to this fund. This fund has helped so many animals already.

To donate to Bulwer Safety Animal Fund, contact Heather Roos on 062 267 6535.
Anyone who could have information that may assist in the investigation is urged to contact the Umbilo SAPS or SPCA.

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