30 Oct Heartbreak after beloved family pet shot with an airgun
The RSPCA is appealing for information after a beloved family pet kitten was shot in an Essex village.
Sweet-natured Edith, was found by her devastated owners in their garden in Goldsworthy Drive, Great Wakering on Saturday October 1. When they picked her up they discovered she had blood around her stomach.
Her worried owners immediately took her to a vet where sadly it was discovered she had been shot with an air gun and it had caused so much internal damage that the kindest thing to do was to put her to sleep to end her suffering.
Her owners, who do not wish to be named have been left heartbroken by the cruel incident and now want to warn other pet owners in the area to be vigilant – so that no one else has to go through the same.
Tragically Edith was only a week away from turning one when she was shot. Her family said she was a sweet beautiful girl with an adorable personality.
Sadly this is not the only report of a cat being shot in the area – last year another resident reported their cat had been shot in April. The cat survived by needings thousands of pounds worth of veterinary treatment to his shattered leg.
RSPCA chief inspector Adam Jones said: “It is devastating to hear what happened to poor Edith and our hearts go out to her poor owners.
“This was a callous and cruel attack on a helpless and defenceless animal. We are investigating this and would urge anyone with information to call the inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018.”
The family have also reported the incident to the police.
The RSPCA receives hundreds of calls to investigate such cases every year and sadly cats and wildlife are usually most often affected.
The charity is calling for tighter controls on air weapons. The RSPCA also wishes to see 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.
These weapons cause horrific pain and suffering and using them in this way can constitute an offence.Anyone caught deliberately using an air gun to injure an animal can face up to five years in prison and/or an unlimited fine if found guilty under the relevant provisions of the Animal Welfare Act.
