"It looked like his eyeball was exploded by a gunshot," an animal adoption manager said after seeing a kitten abandoned last week, according to shelter officials.
The cat, nicknamed "Wilbur" was left at the Helen Woodward Animal Center in Rancho Santa Fe. Since then the kitten had surgery to remove its eye and has recovered to the point that it will soon be available for adoption.
"Surveillance video shows that the kitten was abandoned at the center around 8 p.m. on Wednesday, May 20," spokesman John Van Zante said in a news release. "We're working with sheriff’s investigators ... to review the tapes. ”
Veterinarian Dr. Patricia Carter removed a pellet from Wilbur’s face -- she said it appears Wilbur was shot in his right eye from close range.
Animal abuse is punishable by a fine of up to $20,000 and possible imprisonment, according to shelter officials.
