A FAMILY’S cat was shot at close-range in Sundon Village on Sunday, the second cat to be attacked in the same way in three days.
One-year-old Archie made his way to his home in Harlington Road at around 5pm when his owners realised he was injured and took him to an emergency vet.
An ultrasound and X-ray revealed Archie had two wounds on either side of his body, severe damage to his intestine, abdomen and bowel, and was in significant pain.
He underwent extensive surgery to have his bowel repaired as the contents were leaking into the rest of his body.
Owner Michael Stonnell said: “This act of cruelty is just unfathomable. I don’t see why anybody would want to be cruel to animals, but this isn’t just ignorance or neglect. It’s intentional, which makes it so horrific. The intention is to case pain or kill.”
Veterinary surgeon Mark Antcliffe, who treated Archie at Vets 4 Pets in Stopsley, said the nature of the wound suggested Archie was shot, probably at close-range, although there were no pellets left in the body.
He said: “He was in a bit of a state. We could see quite a bit of blood in his abdomen. No pellets were seen on X-ray, but there was an entry wound and exit wound and a tract straight through his body. He had significant internal trauma consistent with a bullistic injury.
“This was a malicious injury, and it’s not something we see very often, fortunately. The cat required a lot of treatment and after-care which costs a substantial amount of money.”
Archie is on the road to recovery but 15-year-old cat Tom, who was shot by an air rifle in Chard Drive, sadly died from his injuries.
An RSPCA spokesperson said: “We are extremely concerned by this and it is absolutely vital that if anyone saw anything suspicious or knows of anyone shooting animals in the area that they come forward with information.
“Those found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal can face a maximum six month prison sentence and/or a £20,000 fine.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact the RSPCA in confidence on 0300 1234 999 or the police.
Nationally the RSPCA received 201 reports of cats being shot in 2011. It is believed this is just the tip of the iceberg as many attacks go unreported and some owners don’t even realise that their pets have been shot.
Anyone who saw or knows of anyone in the vicinity with an air weapon should contact Bedfordshire Police anonymously on the non-emergency number 101, or call Crimestoppers, the independent charity on 0800 555 111.