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Shot cat has to have leg amputated


A CAT shot twice in a matter of months is recovering at home after vets were forced to amputate his leg.

Tabby cat Pippin was shot in the face and leg on two separate occasions. And last night owner Denise French, of Gwyneth Road, in Littlemore, Oxford, said “enough is enough”.

She said the latest incident had left her pet so badly injured she had no choice but to pay £500 to have his leg cut off.

She said: “I can’t believe somebody could be so vile. Pippin was shot in the face four or five months ago and it shattered his sinuses.

“Then on Friday he was out on the wasteland behind my house and someone with an air gun shot him again.

“He was shot just below the ankle on his right foreleg. I don’t know how he managed to get home with a broken leg because I have an eight-foot fence around my garden.”

Pippin is one of five cats owned by Mrs French.

She said: “I am now considering building an outdoor run so they can still get fresh air but not be at risk.

“Pippin isn’t going to be able to wash himself properly or pounce on a mouse – it’s so cruel.

“He won’t even be able to dig a hole to go to the toilet.

“I want to shame the person who did this.”

The RSPCA and police are investigating the shootings.

RSPCA chief veterinary officer Steve Cheetham described the attacks as “atrocious” adding: “It is very distressing to think people take pleasure in causing such horrific injuries to defenceless animals.”

Anyone found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to animals could face up to six months in prison and a fine of up to £20,000, under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

It is also illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to be in possession of an air gun without supervision.

Police spokesman Vicky Brandon said: “This is obviously very distressing for the owner – this type of mindless behaviour will not be tolerated.

“Neighbourhood officers are investigating the incident.”

Anyone with information about the attack, should call police on 08458 505505 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Comments(4)

Leopardy says...
8:15am Thu 2 Jul 09

Let's hope the police find out who is doing this. People capable of torturing animals usually have the capacity to do it to humans too.

geist3 says...
9:00am Thu 2 Jul 09

It's cruel the cat will no longer be able to pounce on mice? Cruel the cat can't be cruel to small creatures. Odd thing to say but yeah OK.

Anon1974 says...
12:58pm Thu 2 Jul 09

Well, I recall seeing two men late at night carrying air rifles in Gwyneth Rd years ago. They were dressed in Camoflage clothing - utterly pathetic. I know that these same men/boys have shot their air rifles at animals and birds out of a window on the right side of Gwyneth Rd before. The police/RSPCA should ring a few doorbells to find these people. It's a known problem on this road. Totally sick behaviour which needs to be prosecuted. They've been getting away with this sort of thing for years.

animal magic says...
6:19pm Thu 2 Jul 09

Firstly ANON 1974, ring crime stoppers, and give them the information you have written here, for everyones safety.
And the IDIOT(S) with this gun need to be found.
Are you a parent whose child has a gun?
Have you a friend who you know has a gun?
Have you heard anyone talk about anyone with a gun?
ANY....YES...ANY snipet of information could see the person who is doing this in court, and it is only those that are prepared to TELL! that will stop this, perhaps you have a pet, and just think how you would feel if this happend to your animal.
Someone has to know, and i just make a plea: PLEASE PHONE CRIME STOPPERS, you will not be known, and YOU could stop any more suffering.
BECAUSE THESE IDIOTS SHOULD BE PUT BEFORE THE COURTS, AND NAMED.

Think about it, have you any information that MAY help?


Denise French with Pippin Denise French with Pippin

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