Westford Police Searching for Whoever Shot and Killed a Family Cat with an Arrow

Westford police are continuing to search for whoever shot a family cat with an arrow over the weekend.

“Oliver” was just a year old.

“It’s awful,” said Angela Tassie. Oliver belonged to one of her daughters.

The animal’s injuries were so severe that they were forced to euthanize it.

Tassie said Oliver was outside their East Prescott Street home Saturday night when it came running in about 10 p.m. with a 2-foot arrow sticking out of its chest. They rushed Oliver to a local animal hospital. The arrow cracked its sternum and became embedded in its leg.

Tassie shared this photo of Oliver shortly before he died:

Tassie said her family is devastated. It’s unlikely it was an accident, as there are no designated hunting areas surrounding her property.

Police are investigating.

“We spoke with several people who live in the area about who may have shot the cat,” Capt. Victor Neal said. “So far we do not have any suspects.”

Tassie said she hopes whoever is responsible will come forward. She also wants to warn other local families to look after their own pets in case whoever shot Oliver decides to do it again.

“Even if he or she doesn’t come forward, they will have to live with the guilt,” she said.

Anyone with information can contact Westford Animal Control or Westford police at 978-692-2161.