Arlington PD mugshot via WFAA
ARLINGTON, TX (WBAP/KLIF News) – An Arlington man is in jail facing felony animal cruelty charges after allegedly using a crossbow to shoot a cat.
The Fort Worth Star Telegram reports Tommy Hasting fired the arrow from his porch as the cat wandered by on the street. A witness told investigators that when the arrow struck the cat in the neck Hasting laughed.
The arrest warrant charges the cat was severely wounded and wandered around with the arrow sticking through its neck for hours before being reported by a passerby. The cat was picked up by animal services and rushed into emergency surgery.
Hasting was initially questioned about the incident August 12 and denied shooting the cat. Later the same day investigators showed Hasting’s wife a picture and she confirmed that her husband owned a crossbow and identified the arrow in the cat as one of his.
“This disturbing case of torturing an animal will not be tolerated,” said Interim Arlington Police Chief Kevin Kolbye. “We will put as many resources as needed into animal cruelty investigations to bring justice in these types of cases.”
Robin is doing well and has been adopted by officials at the Arlington Animal Services shelter to assist with the shelter’s animal bullying and cruelty education program.