Last Thursday night in Kerrville, Texas, an innocent cat was shot in the face near the Rio Robles RV Park. The animal somehow survived but now bears the trauma and pain of an act of cruelty that never should have happened. Police say the unknown shooter could face felony animal cruelty charges if caught — but right now, the person responsible is still at large.

This horrific act is not just about one cat. It’s about the safety of every animal — and every family — in our community. Violence against animals is often a warning sign of deeper violence. When cruelty goes unpunished, it sends a dangerous message that harming the most vulnerable carries no real consequences.

Texas law makes it a third-degree felony to intentionally torture or seriously injure an animal, punishable by up to ten years in prison. But too often, animal cruelty cases are not pursued with the urgency and seriousness they deserve. Communities are left shaken, animals remain unprotected, and offenders may go on to commit further acts of violence.

We cannot let this case slip into silence. Kerrville Police must prioritize finding the shooter and bring them to justice, and Kerr County District Attorney Lucy Wilke must commit to prosecuting this crime to the fullest extent of the law. Protecting animals protects all of us.

Every act of cruelty chips away at the values of compassion and safety that hold our communities together. Now is the time for Kerrville to show it will not tolerate violence against animals.

Sign this petition to demand Kerrville Police and District Attorney Lucy Wilke take swift, strong action against the individual who shot this cat — because justice for one animal means safety for us all.