KARES seeks emergency donations after Kohala cat found with slashed throat

Kohala Animal Relocation and Education Service, known as KARES, is asking for emergency donations after a good Samaritan discovered an abandoned pet cat in North Hawaiʻi with a severe neck injury that will require emergency surgery and ongoing care, KARES wrote in its public appeal. The group posted, "We need your help… If you are able, please consider making a donation to help cover the cost of this lifesaving care. Every dollar helps."

Reporting describing the case calls the injury graphic: an Original Report described the animal as a "cat found with throat slashed," while a Big Island Now headline said KARES "rescues abandoned cat left for dead with gaping neck wound." Big Island Now also reported KARES’ characterization that the animal "was used for carving practice instead of being valued as someone’s furry friend," language that frames the incident as extreme cruelty.

KARES officials said local veterinarians are involved in the case and that the organization has launched an emergency fundraiser to cover the immediate medical needs. The group added, "We are deeply saddened that acts like this happen in our community — but we are also reminded that there are far more compassionate people willing to step up and help." The available reports do not list the treating clinic or veterinarian names, do not state a surgery cost or fundraising goal, and do not indicate whether law enforcement or animal control have been notified.

Founded in 2009, KARES provides lifesaving veterinary treatment, spay and neuter services, food assistance, and emergency care across Hawaiʻi Island, according to the organization. KARES repeats that it "relies solely on the generosity of the community for all its operational expenses." The group’s website and outreach materials say, "Your support helps provide lifesaving veterinary treatment, spay and neuter services, food assistance, and emergency care for pets and the people who love them—throughout Hawaiʻi Island," and encourage adoption or fostering as alternatives when donating is not possible.

The incident raises immediate community and public-health concerns for island animal welfare services. KARES’ call for emergency funding underscores how reliant local rescue groups are on donations to cover critical veterinary procedures, food assistance, and other services that can affect both animal and human wellbeing in communities across Hawaiʻi Island. With no public accounting yet of costs, clinic capacity, or any formal investigation released, the situation also highlights gaps in transparency that complicate community response and planning.

Residents who want to contact KARES directly can call 808-333-6299, email kareshawaii@gmail.com, or mail donations to P.O. Box 44670, Kamuela, Hawaii 96743. KARES closed its appeal by thanking supporters: "Mahalo for standing with KARES and for helping animals who have no one else to speak for them.