Cat shot with arrow in North Jersey will be adopted

NORTH BERGEN — A cat found with an arrow shot through its shoulder will soon be on its way to a new home in the Midwest.

Kelly Shannon on Friday came across Sparky, a feral cat that she cares for daily in North Bergen, with an arrow sticking out of its body, according to a GoFundMe page created to help with the cat's medical expenses.

With the help of neighbor Maria Ware Appleby, they got Sparky to the The Animal Clinic of Bayonne, where doctors determined the arrow had not struck any vital organs.

The arrow struck Sparky in the left shoulder area, and the tip exited his left flank, leaving the shaft embedded in his body, according to the page.

It's the latest case of animal abuse involving a cat in the state. Police are still investigating the BB-gun shooting of another cat named Whitney on Dec. 28 in Upper Township.

Sparky tested negative for FeLV/FIV and a family in Champaign, Illinois, has adopted Sparky. Shannon told ABC7 Eyewitness News she will be driving Sparky 13 hours to his new home.

The GoFund Me page raised $2,560 and will no longer accept more donations. Most of the money will go to the Animal Clinic with some to be used for the trip to Sparky's new home.

"I just wanted to thank everyone who has donated to [Sparky's] medical fund. It is greatly appreciated and your love for this beautiful little guy gives me hope and humanity," Shannon wrote.

Contact reporter Dan Alexander at Dan.Alexander@townsquaremedia.com

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