Dispute Over Terrace in Son Dameto: 84-Year-Old Allegedly Shot at Cat with an Air Rifle

In Palma, police are investigating: An 84-year-old is suspected of firing a pellet from an air rifle into a cat's leg. Neighbors alerted the USEI unit—the animal survived but has a foreign object in its tissue.

Shot on the terrace — cat seriously injured

In Son Dameto, a quiet district of Palma, a loud bang on the evening of August 17 around 8:30 p.m. drew attention after neighbors called the police because a cat lay injured on the ground. The patrol from the Unit for Comprehensive Security (USEI) found the animal and immediately opened investigations. The X-ray later shown by the local police revealed a small metallic projectile in the cat's leg.

The suspicion and the statement

An 84-year-old resident is now being investigated. He is said to have been observed previously, according to witnesses, as he stepped onto his terrace — apparently because animals keep appearing there. The man told the police that he keeps birds on his property and fired only into the air to drive away the cat. Whether this was his stated intent remains to be clarified by the investigations.

Veterinary findings and ballistics

A veterinary examination confirmed that a foreign body is in the tissue; no operation was performed because the pellet had already become surrounded by the body and an intervention would have caused more harm than good. The seized compressed air weapon was ballistically tested: experts found that the pellet is compatible with this type of weapon. This is not a verdict, but a significant hint for the investigators.

The man was not arrested, he was questioned and exercised his right to remain silent. According to authorities, he could be summoned in the context of a court case.

What residents say and what it means for the island

In conversations with neighbors, frustration and concern mingle. "You don't hear shots here often," says a woman from Calle..., "but cats do roam." On Mallorca, stray cats and organized colonies are a known issue: neutering and care programs exist in many places, yet conflicts between residents and animal rights activists occur repeatedly.

The case reminds that dealing with animals has legal boundaries. If you witness animal cruelty, you should report it — the police take animal abuse seriously. For many people in Son Dameto, the matter serves as a warning: a loud bang can ruin more than just the evening peace.

We will keep you updated as soon as there is new information from the investigations.