Police have issued a warning to pet owners in Liverpool after a cat was shot with a pellet gun in Walton. The incident occurred last month, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.
Incident details
The shooting happened on Tuesday, July 7, between 9am and 6pm near Longmoor Grove in Walton, and also in Sandhills Lane, close to Kirkdale, which is a 14-minute drive away. Merseyside Police confirmed the cat was shot with a pellet gun.
Police response
A letter from an officer at Lower Lane Police Station was sent to residents in Walton, stating there have been recent reports of animal cruelty in the area. The letter urged people with information to contact police or anonymously through Crimestoppers.
Superintendent Andy Creer said: “Targeting animals in this way is a criminal act - not to mention a cruel one, and we are taking this incident extremely seriously. Using any weapon in public is reckless and we are urging anyone with information to come forward.
“If you have seen anything suspicious in the area in recent weeks or live locally and have captured anything on CCTV, dashcam or doorbell devices, please get in touch to help us find those responsible and bring them to justice.”
Appeal to residents
The officer's letter read: “Dear resident, there have recently been incidents of animal cruelty reported in our local area. Animal cruelty is a serious offence, and we are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.
“If you have any information that may assist our enquiries, please contact Merseyside Police via the website www.merseyside.police.uk or telephone 101.
“If you wish to remain anonymous, information can also be provided through Crimestoppers via telephone 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-uk.org
“Thank you for your support and assistance.”
Enquiries are ongoing to determine if there have been any other similar incidents. Police are urging anyone with information to come forward.
