Case Snapshot
Case ID: 16160
Classification: Shooting
Animal: cat
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Animal was offleash or loose
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Monday, Jan 18, 2010


Disposition: Open
Case Images: 1 files available

Suspect(s) Unknown - We need your help!

THE RSPCA is appealing for information after a cat was shot eight times with an air gun. Beloved family pet Jasper was spotted collapsed in a Tyldsley factory on January 18, 2010, after being shot in the head, neck, abdomen, pelvis, leg and paw. Miraculously he survived, but has been left blind in one eye.

Devastated owner Rose Doherty, of Lord Street, Astley, said vets have been unable to remove all of the pellets. She said: “I can’t believe anyone could do something like this. “Jasper has had to have two operations so far and it’s been touch and go.
“Three of the pellets haven’t been removed as they’re so deeply embedded. “We still don’t know how well he’ll recover. We’re devastated by what’s happened.”

Jasper was rushed to a vet after the discovery, where he was scanned for a microchip and his owner tracked down. He returned home last Tuesday but continues to be under veterinary care. Rose, who took the young cat in as a stray six months ago, added: “He was clinging to life for a week. “We’re so thankful he was strong enough to pull through and that we’d had him microchipped, otherwise we might never have got him back.”

Cats are the second most common species to be targeted by people misusing airguns, after wild birds. RSPCA inspector Caroline Hall incidents such as this are becoming a major problem. “Airgun incidents are a big issue for the RSPCA and what’s even more worrying is that the ones we hear about are just the tip of the iceberg,” she said. “Many of the animals targeted simply crawl away and die in agony as might have happened had Jasper not been spotted.”

Anyone with information should contact the RSPCA’s 24-hour cruelty line on 0300 1234 999.

If you have information on this case, please contact:
RSPCA
0300 1234 999

References

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