A cat's leg had to be amputated and he may not survive after being shot with what is believed to be a .22 calibre rifle round in Mission.
Twylla Walker's cat, Two-Four (he has two extra toes on each foot), was let out around 7:30 a.m. Nov. 5 and came back an hour later.
Walker noticed he was limping and took him to the Cedar Grove Animal Hospital where X-rays discovered the orange tabby cat had been shot, and the round was still lodged in his body.
The five-year-old cat underwent two surgeries, said Walker, which resulted in amputation of Two-Four's right hind leg and the removal of a section of his intestine that had also been hit.
"He'll be at the vet's until Monday and he may not pull through," she said.
The family contacted the police and a file has been opened, said Mission RCMP Sgt. Shaun Wright.
Walker said she went around her neighbourhood – they live on Moore Avenue off Shook Road east of Mission – and several other residents said over the years their cats have gone missing. Up until now, everyone assumed it was coyotes. Tuesday's incident is making them rethink that, she said.
The Walkers have offered a $100 reward for information. Tips can be sent to walkerfamily@shaw.ca, or sent to police. The file number is 2013-12314. The family can also be contacted via Facebook: facebook.com/twylla.martin.
So far, the vet bill is $2,600 and any donations to assist can be made in Two-Four's name at the vet's office (102 - 32670 Lougheed Hwy.) or by calling 604-820-8552.