21.11.08
Cats are being injured and killed by air gun attackers. That's the stark message from the RSPCA in the West Midlands as three cats have been shot within the last three weeks.
The most recent incidents reported to the RSPCA have been in Stoke-on-Trent, Pensnett and Sedgley.
Indiana Jones the cat was shot on Tuesday, 11 November, in Stoke. He died while undergoing emergency surgery.
The attack has devastated owner Mark Jones. "He was a rescue cat we rehomed five months ago. He was only seven months old and we gave him a home to replace our cat India, who died of natural causes. I have three other cats and am greatly concerned about letting them out."
Further attacks
Three-year-old Fubar and 10-year old-Monty have both also been shot but have survived.
Fubar was shot in Pensnett on Friday, 31 October. Her owner, Mr Walker, said: "Why anybody would want to do this to a cat is beyond me."
Vets discovered Fubar had been shot in the abdomen. If the pellet had entered a vital organ it could have proved fatal.
Monty was shot during the week of 3 November. His owner, who lives in Sedgley, said it is not the first time that Monty has been shot.
RSPCA Inspector Martin Dolan said: "Aiming an air gun at an animal in order to cause it pain and suffering is a criminal offence and if we find out who is responsible for these attacks we will prosecute. The police have also been informed and are carrying out their own investigations."
Swan shot twice in head
The RSPCA is also appealing for information after a separate incident in which a swan was shot twice in the head with an air weapon in Jacksdale, Nottinghamshire.
The swan was discovered in a disused part of Erewash Canal on Wednesday, 5 November.
RSPCA animal collection officer Andy Sowden attended, but was unable to reach the bird through the tangle of reeds. He called in support from inspectors Mick Darling and Mike Scargill who had flood rescue equipment with them.
When the swan was brought to the bank, after a 90-minute rescue effort, it was found to be so severely injured that it had to be put to sleep to prevent further suffering.
Anyone with information about any of these incidents or any other air gun attacks against animals is urged to called the RSPCA National Cruelty and Advice Line on 0300 1234 999.
Calls will be treated in the strictest confidence.
photo © RSPCA
