A FAMILY’S much-loved cat was shot with an air rifle leaving him so badly injured he had to be put down.
Tabby cat Tom, 15, was found not far from his home in Chard Drive in Luton on Thursday (March 1).
He was unable to move and his hind quarters wre completely disabled by three air rifle pellets lodged in his rear body.
PC Carl Perri said: “The cat’s owners are, understandably, very sad and distressed by what’s happened to their pet. I would very much like anyone who has information about who may have done this to contact me, in confidence if necessary.”
The incident must have happened somewhere very near Chard Drive between 9am-4pm as Tom could not move when he was found.
PC Perri said: “Shooting pets with air rifles is not a piece of harmless fun. It’s terribly cruel and often results in a painful death for the animal or, at best, expensive vet bills for the owners. It’s also a criminal offence which may carry a heavy fine or even custody for the culprits.”
Anyone who saw, or knows of anyone, in the vicinity with an air weapon who may have shot Tom should contact PC Perri.
You do not have to give your name but could still receive a cash reward.
Contact PC Perri via the non-emergency number 101, or call Crimestoppers, the independent charity, on 0800 555111.