KAPAA — A well-known community cat is recovering after being shot in Kapaa last week, leaving residents outraged and authorities searching for those responsible.
Reverend Dr. Rita Andriello and her husband, Reverend Dr. Patrick Feren, at the Center for Spirituality Living Kauai in Kapaa, reported that their cherished feline companion, Quanta, was shot with a pellet gun on May 13.
Quanta the cat is a prominent figure within the community. She is frequently observed near the Kapaa Hongwanji Buddhist Temple, where she is seen in yoga classes and attends services at the Buddhist Temple on Sundays.
“Quanta has brought our whole community together even before this terrible incident,” said Rev. Feren, “Quanta appeared at our Center in late November, just before Thanksgiving. She simply showed up on Sunday. She was fully litter box trained and seemed so engaged with everyone— the music, the energy, and the space.
“We took her to the vet, she had no chip, and we had her spayed. People come to visit her, and she has been receiving Reiki and prayers from around the world,” he explained.
One year old, Quanta is an indoor-outdoor cat, though she’s mostly indoors; she’s always in at night. On Wednesday, May 14, Rev. Rita reported to the Kauai Police Department (KPD) that she last saw Quanta at approximately 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, after which the cat did not return as per her usual behavior. Initially, there was no lack of concern; however, the situation evolved when Quanta was later found in the kitchen, unable to stand.
“At around 1 p.m., our administrator called and said Quanta was in the kitchen and couldn’t get up,” Rev. Rita continued, “She obviously dragged herself back. Her legs were immobile, we thought she might have been hit by a car. We rushed her to Kapaa Animal Clinic, where they took X-rays and told us she had been shot in the back close to her spine. We were in complete shock,” she said.
The shooting incident quickly prompted community members to express their outrage across various online platforms. Tamara Inman, the Manager at Kauai Juice Co. in Kapaa, expressed her profound disturbance upon learning of the incident and has since announced a reward of $500 for any individual who can provide information about the incident.
”I absolutely cannot stand people who abuse animals,” said Inman, “Anyone that is capable of such cruelty is certainly capable of much worse. I cannot truly afford to part with $500, however, I feel even stronger that I cannot afford to allow people like this to go unpunished,” she said.
Michelle Miller, co-founder of Kitty Cat News Kauai, also expressed her concern regarding yet another incident of animal abuse, attributing them to a lack of education, insufficient enforcement, and the overpopulation of cats. She hopes this occurrence unifies the community and county and helps develop an effective solution to combat animal abuse.
“There isn’t too much done when it comes to animal abuse on the island,” explained Miller. “We need to be advocates for education. Let’s talk about how we can be better animal owners, how we can be more kind to the local animals, and how we can reduce the population, so we have fewer incidents like this where the community is upset.
“We hope people can come forward and speak up when they see animals being abused. We all need to come together and find a solution and ensure the protection of all cats and birds.
“Let’s find a way to keep stray cats in a sanctuary that we hope can be partially funded by the county— we’re happy to help with the funding as well— so cats and other animals have a safe place to live and not at risk at being shot or euthanized or harmed in any way; Just like the sanctuary on Lanai, that’s a successful place cats have been relocated and are protected and fixed, we can do that if we care and can work together,” she added.
”Let’s instill the Aloha spirit toward all people and all animals so that everyone can coexist. Let’s love the people, let’s love the animals, let’s not exclude them.”
Officials with the KPD provided the following statements regarding this case: “Harming animals is not only cruel, it’s a crime. Under Hawaii law, intentionally harming or killing a domesticated animal without justification can constitute animal cruelty. Hawaii’s animal cruelty laws protect pets, livestock, and domesticated birds.
“KPD takes these incidents seriously, and we urge anyone with information to come forward so those responsible can be held accountable.”
Authorities also noted that Pellet guns are legal to own in Hawaii but are regulated. While they are not classified the same as firearms under state law, carrying a pellet gun in public (especially if in an unsafe or threatening manner) can result in criminal charges, including terroristic threatening or weapons violations.
Reverend Rita and her husband, Patrick, added that Quanta is recovering and is currently receiving laser treatments. She is also on pain medication due to the pellet still lodged in her back. The couple hopes the person or individuals responsible for shooting Quanta will come forward and accept responsibility for their actions.
“The outpouring of love for her after her shooting has been overwhelming,” said Rev. Rita. “They hurt our baby, Quanta is a very special cat. She came to our Center to bring our community together— we felt that the very first day she walked through our door. She has a whole community that loves her and has come together in support of her healing.
“If the shooter could have seen her leaping and running before you shot her, and then seen her little body afterwards, I believe you might have the heart to think twice before pulling the trigger again,” she said. “All animals deserve a voice. Feral cats have a difficult life on the island. I understand there are different perspectives, but it is never right to shoot an animal for any reason.
“What we do has a ripple effect. Please consider the consequences of your actions. Animals are not “just animals,” they have souls and purpose in an eternal plan that is moved by love. They are loved— and they love deeply for those who care for them.”
KPD urges witnesses or anyone with information regarding the shooting of Quanta the cat to call KPD Dispatch at 808.241.1711. For further information on Kitty Cat News Kauai and its supporters of feral and stray cats on Kauai, visit kittycatnewskauai.com.
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Xiomara Yamileth, staff writer, can be reached at 808-245-0441.
