Oshkosh animal shelter shares story of Richie the cat being shot in face to raise awareness of animal cruelty
OSHKOSH – A local animal shelter is using the story of a cat found shot in the face in rural Winnebago County to encourage people to report animal cruelty or neglect.
The cat, named after Richie Cunningham, a fictional character from the 1970s television show "Happy Days," because of his "easy-going personality and his distinctive reddish fur," was found Saturday morning in a rural part of Winnebago County with an obvious injury to his face, according to the Oshkosh Area Humane Society.
A good Samaritan spotted the injured cat, contacted the Humane Society and brought him in, Executive Director Joni Geiger said.
Richie was examined, then rushed to BluePearl Pet Hospital in Appleton, where an X-ray showed he had buckshot lodged throughout his body, in addition to injuries to his lower jaw, which someone essentially shot off, Geiger said.
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Richie underwent surgery to remove bone fragments, dead tissue and skin, according to the shelter. Fortunately, he has been recovering well so far.
"He came through with flying colors, and he picked up a really sweet personality," Geiger said. "(Medical staff) said that through this whole process, he had to be in excruciating pain. But still he was very, very friendly, very outgoing."
Following his release from the animal hospital, Richie went into in foster care, where his recovery is being monitored, Geiger said. Richie is eating and drinking on his own, and if his recovery continues, he should be available for adoption within a few weeks.
Law enforcement is investigating what happened to Richie, according to the shelter.
"Unfortunately, I think that it probably happens more frequently than any of us really want to know about. Shooting animals in a rural area is not uncommon," Geiger said.
Last year, the Oshkosh Area Humane Society cared for a cat who had suffered more severe injuries after also being shot in the face. The cat, named Bernie, survived after multiple surgeries and was adopted into a new home, according to the shelter.
"I think that people (need to be) aware, and, you know, if they see things that make them uncomfortable how people are treating other animals, they need to call the authorities and need to report it," Geiger said. "They need to be a voice for those animals."
The Oshkosh Area Humane Society takes in about 2,500 animals a year, Geiger said. She estimated there are currently about 200 animals available for adoption, either in foster care or at the shelter, 1925 Shelter Court. Animals in need of homes include cats, dogs, turtles, guinea pigs, rabbits and birds.
Contact Kelli Arseneau at 920-213-3721 or karseneau@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter at @ArseneauKelli.
This article originally appeared on Oshkosh Northwestern: Oshkosh humane society rescues cat shot in face in Winnebago County
