Man shot cat that 'looked at him like it owned the place'

A 69-year-old man in the US could face animal cruelty charges after allegedly shooting a neighbour’s cat with a BB gun.

The man, who has not been identified, told officers he had become angry after the cat “looked at him like he owned the place,” before relieving itself on his property, in Florida’s Ormond Beach.

The animal, owned by 60-year-old neighbour Hung Nguyen, later had to be put down as a result of its injuries.

Local woman Heidi Hatheaway, whose son found the injured animal hiding under their trailer park home, told News 6: “It was pathetic. It was the most saddest thing to see a little animal, literally tears running down its face.” 

The shooter described his actions as a “poor judgment call,” and claimed he didn’t realise it was somebody’s pet. He also admitted he had shot at cats before, but had previously always missed.

“It was not my intention to hurt that cat,” he said. “All I wanted to do was get it out in front of my walkway, stop pooping. For the flies and the smell is just horrendous.”

Authorities are reviewing the case before deciding whether to press charges.

Mr Hung told reporters he now has eight cats left.