Harper the cat awaits surgery after being shot by an arrow Monday morning. (Tuscarawas County Human Society)

TUSCARAWAS COUNTY (Tusco TV) - For the second time since late December, the Tuscarawas County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an incident of a local cat being shot by an arrow. Sheriff Orvis Campbell says the most-recent occurrence was reported early Monday morning in the Newport area of Uhrichsville, when a local woman discovered the cat with an arrow protruding from its leg.

“The cat was taken to the Humane Society. My most-recent update, yesterday, was that it was alive. But there was a possibility it was going to lose its leg,” Campbell says.

Campbell says investigation and the testimony of locals lead detectives to the door of an individual recently new to the area.

“We were able to question that individual, who readily admitted he is the one that shot the cat. He gave the reason that the cats wouldn’t stay off his wife’s Jeep,” Campbell says.

Sheriff Campbell says the suspected individual gave a written statement willingly. The Sheriff’s Office is exploring options in regard to charges.

“There are a variety of different animal laws that could apply, including Goddard’s Law, which was adopted a year or so ago here in Ohio, that can potentially make cruelty toward companion animals a felony,” says Campbell.

Should the incident qualify as a felony, Campbell says the Sheriff’s Office will pursue it as such. If not, however, the office will still pursue a misdemeanor charge, as Campbell believes individuals should be held accountable for such actions.

“We understand that feral animals can be a problem, but to just shoot them and let them suffer, walking around with an arrow through them, is not what we want in Tuscarawas County.”
 
This second occurrence of cruelty follows one from late last December in the Brightwood area of New Philadelphia. Despite similarities, Sheriff Campbell says he doesn’t believe the two incidents are related.

"He didn’t indicate he was copycatting at all, and we have no indication --both evidentiary of our own, and his statement-- that he knew the other individual, so whether he recently read about it and thought it was a good idea, we don’t know.”

Campbell says the Brightwood shooting is still under investigation.

The second cat --now named Harper-- is awaiting operation at a local veterinary hospital. To contribute to Harper’s medical care, send donations to 1432 Tall Timber Rd. NE. New Philadelphia, OH, or visit the website: tuschumanesociety.com 

                                                                                                                                           RYAN HOUK, TUSCO TV