A PUSPIN (pusang Pinoy or domestic cat) named Bluei is currently recovering after being shot by an unidentified assailant.
In a Facebook post, the Davao Emergency Veterinary Hospital revealed that Bluei underwent emergency surgery after a bullet was found lodged inside her body, putting her life at risk.
Ronald Lunar, a veterinarian at the hospital, told VoxPop Davao in a phone interview that the cat was brought to their facility around 3 p.m. on Monday, February 3, 2025. However, the owner stated that the incident occurred on January 29, when she found Bluei bleeding. She initially took Bluei to another clinic before transferring it to the Davao Emergency Veterinary Hospital, as it was the only facility capable of performing the necessary surgery.
Lunar said the bullet, estimated to be 1.3 centimeters in size, was lodged in Bluei’s right front leg.
"The entry point was on the left side, meaning the cat was shot from the left, with the bullet traveling through the subcutaneous tissue before reaching the right side," he explained.
The gunshot also caused a concussion in Bluei’s lungs and bone fragments in her leg, though these injuries no longer pose long-term risks. However, her wound had become infected, causing severe pain and necessitating surgery.
Despite the hospital’s recommendation to keep Bluei under medical supervision during recovery, she was discharged immediately after surgery.
"The cat is now at home, still in pain but continuously recovering," Lunar said.
VoxPop Davao reached out to the owner for further details, but she has not yet responded. However, Lunar confirmed that the owner claimed there were witnesses to the shooting and that they plan to file a case against the perpetrator.
"The suspect, I think, is a wealthy person who used the cat for target practice," he alleged.
Lunar appealed to the authorities to strictly implement laws against animal cruelty.
“We need to push the government to stricty implement the law against animal cruelty, and end this nonsense behavior,” the veterinarian said.
Lunar recalled the cases of an aspin (Asong Pinoy) named “Cardo,” who miraculously survived severe injuries after being stabbed in Davao City, just two days before Christmas; and a stray cat that sustained a "life-threatening" injury after its head was struck by an arrow.
He said no suspects have been arrested related to these cases.
VoxPop Davao also reached out to the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) regarding these cases, but they have not responded as of writing.
Under Section 9 of Republic Act No. 8485 or the Animal Welfare Act of 1998, “Any person who subjects any animal to cruelty, maltreatment or neglect shall, upon conviction by final judgment, be punished by imprisonment and/ or fine.” RGL
