When a beloved pet comes home hurt, every moment counts.
For one cat owner in Yuma, Arizona, that moment happened on a chilly January day when his rescued cat returned home with severe facial injuries.
What began as confusion quickly turned into heartbreak, and now the community has been asked to help find out who was responsible.
In late January, animal control officers responded to a report at a home near Sunset Court and Windsor Avenue after a man’s cat came limping back to the yard, clearly injured.
The cat, known as Midget, was rushed for medical care and examined by a veterinarian. What they discovered was shocking: the animal had been shot in the face.
For Midget’s owner, the discovery was devastating.
The cat had not only survived previous hardships, he had been rescued from a difficult start in life and nurtured back to health by the Humane Society of Yuma.
Originally named Bear before being adopted, Midget had already overcome injury and illness before finding a loving home.
But this time, the wound was too severe. After careful consideration and follow-up with veterinarians, Midget had to be euthanized due to his injuries.
A Community Steps Forward After the Loss
The sense of loss was overwhelming, but for the man who cared for Midget, it was also a call to action.
Determined to find answers and hold the person responsible accountable, he offered a $2,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.
His hope was that financial incentive would encourage someone with knowledge of the incident to speak up.
What made the effort even more significant was that the Humane Society of Yuma matched the reward, doubling the potential payout to $4,000.
The animal welfare organization has been vocal about its stance on cruelty and made clear that intentional harm to animals is both cruel and illegal.
In a written statement, the executive director of the Humane Society of Yuma expressed frustration and sadness over the incident.
She acknowledged that community cats can sometimes cause issues, but stressed that maliciously shooting an animal in the face was unacceptable and against the law.
For residents of Yuma, this was not the first instance of a cat being targeted.
In September of last year, a separate incident involved a feral cat discovered with an arrow lodged in its body.
That cat was found dead under a vehicle, and the community was left reeling from another act of animal cruelty.
Cases like these spark strong reactions because pets are often viewed as family members.
The emotional bond between humans and animals runs deep, and acts of violence against them challenge the sense of safety many pet owners take for granted.
In Midget’s case, the tragedy was compounded by his history. He had already survived hardships that would break many animals, and it was this resilience that made the outcome so painful for those who knew him.
Police and Animal Advocates Call for Information
The call for justice is now being supported by local law enforcement. The Yuma Police Department is asking anyone with information to come forward.
Tips can be submitted directly to the police, and anonymous tips are also an option for those who want to help but remain unidentified.
Many community members have expressed support for the effort.
On social media and in local conversations, people have urged their neighbors to keep an eye out for suspicious activity, share any relevant information with authorities, and come together to protect the animals in their community.
Some have even pointed to earlier cases as evidence that these incidents are more than isolated accidents.
For some, the hope is that a reward and increased awareness will lead not only to answers but to a deterrent for future cruelty.
When consequences are visible and support is mobilized, the message sent to those who might harm animals is clear: the community is watching, and justice will be pursued.
Midget’s Story Inspires a Push for Change
At the center of all this is the memory of Midget, whose story touched the hearts of many who knew him and even those who did not.
A once vulnerable rescue who found a home and affection, he had already beaten the odds once before.
While his life was cut short, the response from his owner and local defenders of animal welfare shows that his legacy may be one of greater awareness and accountability.
As the reward remains on the table, anyone with clues or tips is encouraged to reach out to authorities.
Whether it leads to an arrest or simply brings a piece of closure to Midget’s grieving family, it is a step toward saying no to cruelty and yes to compassion, in Yuma and beyond.