A pet owner from Wigan has spoken of her heartbreak after her cat who was shot with an air gun had to be put to sleep.
Sarah Worden says her one-year-old tortoiseshell Betty returned to their home on Gardiner Close in Standish on June 28 visibly wounded. She was rushed to a vet, and despite receiving emergency treatment her injuries were too severe for her to survive. Her condition deteriorated and it was decided it was in her best interests that she be put down.
Owner's devastation
Sarah has now spoken of her devastation. “We live on a small new housing development and Betty always stayed round the front or back of the house as she much preferred to be at home with us,” she said. “It’s like an island here - there’s a river and reservoir surrounding us and then literally three or four other streets - which is why I believe the person responsible can't be very far away.
“I can't understand why people do these things. Betty was only a year old, she loved people so she was never out for very long, she just pottered nearby. The sadness and upset comes in fits and starts, I'll see a picture of her and it all comes flooding back. “Whoever did this has not thought for a second about the devastating impact their selfish actions have had.”
RSPCA appeal
The RSPCA is now appealing for anyone with information about the incident to come forward as they warn that anyone targeting animals with weapons faces prosecution. A cat in a neighbouring street is also reported to have been shot by an air weapon last year, they say.
Animal Rescue Officer Nikki Watkinson, who has been looking into the incident, said: “This attack on Betty, Sarah’s much-loved family pet, was nothing more than a senseless act of cruelty and we are very keen to hear from anyone in this area who has first-hand knowledge about the incident to contact us so we can investigate further.
“These types of incidents are extremely worrying and inexplicable and leave people feeling anxious that their pets or even their children could be hurt next. It’s unspeakably cruel and totally unacceptable to shoot animals like this, but sadly it’s not uncommon.”
The RSPCA continues to call for tighter controls on air weapons. This, along with better education and explanation of the law when buying an air gun, and requirements that everyone must receive basic safety training before being allowed to walk out of the shop could help relieve the problem.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the RSPCA inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018 quoting reference number 01844681.
