Appeal after cat shot with air rifle

A cat has lost the use of one of her legs after being shot with an air rifle.

Nala was shot in the back in Mosterton, Dorset, on 14 June, fracturing one of her vertebrae.

The RSPCA is investigating the incident and has asked anyone with information to come forward.

RSPCA animal rescue office Kathryn Barnes, who is investigating, said she was concerned someone was deliberately targeting animals.

"We really don't want any other animal or owner to experience this," she said.

Warning - this article contains pictures some people may find distressing.

The attack happened between 07:30 and 08:40 BST in the Naomi Close area of the village.

"It's understandably been very distressing for Nala's owners to learn that their cat has been shot and it has caused considerable pain and injury," said Ms Barnes.

"The vet had to leave a couple of shards near her spine as they didn't want to cause more damage but they took out the .22 pellet and she is now recovering from her horrific ordeal at home."

Air guns fire pellets using compressed air, and most do not require the owner to have a firearm certificate - although they must be over the age of 18.

Anyone caught deliberately using an airgun to injure an animal can face up to five years in prison and an unlimited fine if found guilty under the Animal Welfare Act.

The RSPCA has renewed its call for tighter controls on air weapons, and better education on the law surrounding them.

Ms Barnes said hundreds of animals were victims of air gun attacks ever year, with cats being particularly vulnerable because they are often free to roam with no one to protect them.

"Sadly, air gun attacks are not rare and the injuries caused can be horrific and often fatal," she said.

Anyone with information that could help the RSPCA investigate what happened to Nala should call them and quote incident reference 01548800, the charity said.

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