Cat put to sleep after cruel airgun attack

A much-loved family cat has had to be put down after being severely injured in an airgun attack.

X-rays showed Poppy had been shot several times. Pictures: Scottish SPCA

The Scottish SPCA is appealing for information after the three year old royal Bengal named Poppy returned to her home on Loanfoot Road in Uphall visibly unwell on 7 January.

Poppy was taken to a vets by her distraught owners and tragically had to be put to sleep during an operation to remove a pellet lodged in her abdomen.

Inspector June Chalcroft said: “The pellet was removed but unfortunately it had perforated Poppy’s intestines and she would not have recovered.

Poppy's X-ray

“Sadly, the vet and her owners had to make the difficult decision to put her to sleep.

“An x-ray also revealed a shot wound to one of her legs and a second pellet in her shoulder so we know she had been shot at least three times.

“Poppy’s owners are understandably very upset and are concerned for the safety of their two other cats.

“A family have lost their much loved pet as a result of this sickening and cruel attack and we would appeal to anyone with information to contact us or police as soon as possible.”

The Scottish SPCA fully supports the Scottish Government’s plans to introduce the licensing of airguns in Scotland.

Anyone with information is being urged to contact the Scottish SPCA animal helpline on 03000 999 999.