Police have recovered an arrow from the body of a pet cat found dead south-west of Sydney overnight, NSW Police say.
A man called Camden Local Area Command police after he found the body of the cat in his backyard in Market Street at Tahmoor, about 10.30pm yesterday.
The cat’s owners, a couple in their 20s, are extremely distressed by the incident and have told police they do not know who may be responsible.
They have told police their cat was aged three and called Ra; there have not been any complaints about the cat that police are aware of.
Camden Crime Manager, Detective Inspector Jayne Doherty, said crimes such as these were very disturbing.
"While some people may not consider this to be a major crime it is an abhorrent offence that touches the hearts of many members of our community and is of great concern to NSW Police," Det Insp Doherty said.
"From our early inquiries, it appears this pet was clearly targeted by someone armed with a bow and arrow in a public place. This is an illegal act.
"This was not a feral cat: it was a couple’s much-loved pet with a collar and tag.
"This act cannot be a justified in any way.
"I am appealing for the community to help police by providing information about who may be responsible for this, or who may know of the use of these weapons locally," Det Insp Doherty said.
The arrow has been sent for forensic examination.
Police are appealing for anyone with information about the incident to contact Narellan police or Crime Stoppers.
