Teen accused of cat attack may be granted diversion

Moomoo the injured cat.

A teen accused of firing a crossbow bolt through the head of a cat may be granted diversion.

The 18-year-old Wainuiomata man is facing a charge of ill-treating an animal, under the Animal Welfare Act, in relation to the October 21 incident.

The teen was granted interim name suppression when he first appeared at Hutt Valley District Court last month after concerns were raised regarding threats made to him and his family over the internet.

At his second appearance today, Judge Denys Barry ruled the interim name suppression remain in place while diversion was considered.

Moomoo the cat was left with a bolt through its head after the incident.

He had to have surgery at Massey University Veterinary Teaching Hospital to remove it.

Donna Ferrari, Moomoo's owner, appealed to the public following the incident, handing out flyers in her neighbourhood asking whether anyone knew about what had happened to her 4-year-old pet.

She also contacted the media with her story.

Police said they were supportive of diversion and the teen was remanded at large until February.