Unprovoked – suggests the attacks on the cats are without reason, making the situation more disturbing.
By HP Wilder | Watertown Post
WATERTOWN, NY — A troubling pattern of feline injuries in the Prospect Street neighborhood has sparked concern and raised serious questions about public safety, after one injured cat was recently captured and examined by a local veterinarian. The finding: the injuries were likely caused by a dog.
The cat, which had sustained a severe wound to its lower abdomen, was humanely trapped and brought to a vet for evaluation. According to the veterinary report, the nature of the trauma was consistent with an attack by a canine — not a wild animal or human interference as had been previously speculated.
This revelation has heightened alarm, as at least three other cats in the same vicinity have been seen roaming with nearly identical injuries. That disturbing consistency suggests that a vicious dog, or possibly multiple dogs, may be loose in the area — and may be under the care (or neglect) of an irresponsible owner.
Residents in the Prospect Street area are demanding answers — and action.
“If one dog is going around doing this, we have a public safety issue,” said one local resident who asked to remain anonymous. “And if it’s a dog being trained or allowed to hunt cats by its owner, then that’s even worse. That’s criminal.”
City police have not yet issued a public statement or warning. But community members say the time for silence has passed.
“This needs to be looked into by the Watertown Police Department immediately,” said Hans Wilder, editor of the Watertown Post. “The people of this city — and the pets they love — deserve to know if a dangerous animal is on the loose in their neighborhood.”
Concerned citizens are calling on the city to issue a bulletin or public notice warning of the potential danger. Residents with outdoor cats, small dogs, or young children are urged to remain especially vigilant.
Anyone with security camera footage, knowledge of aggressive dogs in the area, or information about the incidents is encouraged to contact “The Post” as local authorities are not responsive. The wellbeing of Watertown’s community — human and animal alike — may depend on it.
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