WEST POINT, Utah - (ABC 4 News) - The cone on Tennessee's head keeps the cat from scratching her face, something she did non-stop until her owners brought her to the vet.
What Larry and Joni Hyatt didn't expect was an x-ray that showed a pellet near Tennessee's brain.
"She's lucky she's alive," said Larry.
Although Tennessee survived the shot, Dr. Mary Smart tells me she now needs intense surgery - something only a specialist could do.
"It's right there by some pretty important nerves and by some pretty big blood vessels," said Dr. Smart.
Larry and his wife Joni can't understand why anyone would hurt their beautiful cat.
"I know they can get on your nerves sometimes, especially cats because they get in your gardens and they do stuff that you might not like, but to shoot the animal? No, no, never," said Larry.
Clint Thacker with Davis Animal Care and Control said there is no excuse for hurting a defenseless animal.
"What we want you to do is call Animal services," Clint said.
And he said the shooter could be charged with a felony.
"The intent of this individual was to cause harm, terror and pain for this cat, so therefore they do qualify as legitimate animal cruelty and it could go as high as a felony," Clint explains.
The Hyatt's say they will press charges if they find out who did this.
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