Seaside family’s cat shot with pellet gun

Brian and Mariana Palmer have been pet owners for over a decade, but their family is no longer whole. The couple’s cat, Keanu, went missing three weeks ago. “Normally at night we will whistle for him. Around 10, 11 p.m. he’ll come running home. He didn’t run home. 1, 2 a.m. Nothing,” said Brian.

The Palmers received a call from the Monterey County SPCA with news that someone had turned Keanu in. After a visit to the vet, the family realized their cat had been shot. X-rays showed a pellet lodged in the animal’s spine. “It was pretty much the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make with any pet. I mean, we had to. We couldn’t let him live a life with no legs or tubes,” said Brian.

Brian said this isn’t the first time Keanu was targeted. Last year, the cat was shot in the back and survived. “We didn’t know where it was coming from or who would do it. Let alone a second time. It seems like they’re targeting cats or any animal in the neighborhood,” said Brian.

The Palmers are not alone. Neighbors told them their cats have also gone missing in the last year. Some call it a now quiet street that was once crawling with cats. “I don’t know what’s going on. I don’t know if anyone has come forward to say anything or report it,” said Brian.

The family hopes more people will come forward and that they will find justice for Keanu. “It’s a big deal. Keanu was a part of our family,” said Brian.

The Monterey County SPCA is investigating the case. They encourage anyone with information to call (831) 373-2631 or visit www.spcamc.org.