Sphynx are notoriously inquisitive cats, so it’s no surprise that Akila snuck out of the house Tuesday to do some exploring outside. Akila is an inside cat and her mom, Tyra Bulluck was very concerned – since Sphynx have no hair to protect them from the elements – that she might get sunburned from being outside all day or not survive the cold temperatures overnight. She could have never prepared herself for what she found on Wednesday morning.
Photo courtesy of Animal Coalition of Tampa
Bulluck and her family found the missing kitty, but it was a disturbing discovery. Akila had a 7 inch dart stuck right between her eyes, her ear was cut, and her tail was broken.
Fortunately, Akila was alive. The dart didn’t penetrate her skull, which would have meant certain death for the sweet calico kitty. She was taken to the Animal Coalition of Tampa for emergency surgery to remove the dart and is now recovering at home, but in a lot of pain, according to WFLA News Channel 8.
Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has opened an animal cruelty investigation and is questioning people in the Riverview neighborhood. If you have any information that could help lead to an arrest, please contact Hillsborough County Sheriffs or WFLA 8 on Your Side.
UPDATE: There is now a $500 Reward for information leading to the arrest of the person responsible for injuring Akila. The Bulluck family and the Sphynx community are currently collecting more money to increase the reward amount.
