The Flagler County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's help to track down who shot a 5-year-old cat in the face earlier this month.

  • 5-year-old cat found hurt, shot in the face
  • Cat was euthanized because of its injuries, deputies said
  • Call Flagler County Sheriff's Office with any information

Christina Deangelis, who lives in Palm Coast, found her cat, named Baby Cat, severely injured in her driveway. She rushed the cat to Flagler Animal Hospital, where the veterinarian determined the cat was shot in the face, deputies said.

The bullet entered the cat's jaw area and lodged above the cat's shoulder. The cat was euthanized because of its injuries.

The incident happened Saturday, Oct. 15, and the Sheriff's Office launched an investigation. Despite interviewing several neighbors and checking with Palm Coast Animal Control for reports of any cat complaints in the area, the investigator didn't obtain any pertinent information about the incident. The Sheriff's Office said it still needs the public’s help with the investigation.

Deangelis, who lives on Laguna Forest trail, said she's concerned another one of her cats also might have been killed, because it disappeared earlier in October. She told deputies she has lived at her home for three years and hasn't had any problems with her neighbors or her animals. Deangelis said Baby Cat lived both indoors and outdoors.

Deputies remind people that if you have a problem with animals in your neighborhood, contact the proper authorities below:

  • Flagler Animal Services: 386-246-8612. They serve unincorporated Flagler County and the cities of Bunnell and Flagler Beach
  • Palm Coast Animal Control: 386-986-2520
  • Flagler County Sheriff's Office's non-emergency line: 386-313-4911

Animal cruelty is a crime in Florida. According to Florida Statute 828.12, a person who kills any animal in a cruel or inhumane manner commits animal cruelty, a first-degree misdemeanor. Also, someone who intentionally commits an act to any animal that results in the cruel death or unnecessary pain or suffering commits aggravated animal cruelty, a third-degree felony.

Additionally, Florida Statute 790.15 makes it illegal to shoot a firearm in a residential neighborhood. Exceptions to this are as follows:

  • A person lawfully defending life or property or performing official duties requiring discharge of firearm;
  • If the discharge does not pose a reasonably foreseeable risk to life, safety or property;
  • A person who accidentally discharges a firearm.

Anyone with information about the incident involving Baby Cat is asked to call the Flagler County Sheriff's Office at 386-313-4911. You may remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000 by calling Crime Stoppers of Northeast Florida at 1-888-277-8477.