Cats targeted in ‘sickening’ airgun attacks

The Scottish SPCA and Central Scotland Police have launched a joint investigation into the two airgun attacks in the town.

One of the cats was taken to a local vets’ clinic last Thursday and treated for its injuries. The second cat was left outside the same veterinary surgery in a box on Friday night and later had to be put down.

An SSPCA spokeswoman explained: “An x-ray revealed the first cat, a black and white female named Maddie, had an airgun pellet lodged in her shoulder which was removed with no lasting effect.

“However, the second cat, a white and tabby male, had been blasted between the shoulder blades and the pellet had travelled down into his spine, breaking his back. He had been left in a box outside the vets overnight and was suffering from hypothermia. Sadly the vet had no option but to put him to sleep.”

Inspector Louise Seddon of the SSPCA said: “These were sickening attacks on two defenceless animals and, together with Central Scotland Police, we are now appealing to the public to help us trace the person or persons responsible.

“We do not know the exact location or date of when these offences took place. Maddie’s owner, who lives in the Pirnhill area, spotted the lump on her shoulder over a week ago. The vet believes the second cat, for which we are also appealing to trace the owner, may have been shot one or two days before being found.”

She continued: “”Animals are regularly the target of malicious airgun attacks and this continues to cause the society great concern. Cats are the most common target, followed by wildlife. Yet again, these incidents demonstrate the need for a total ban on airguns in Scotland.”

Inspector Charlie Mitchell, of Central Scotland Police, said: “We are investigating two instances where cats have been shot and caused unnecessary suffering. We appeal for anyone with information to come forward.”