Warning as Alness cat owner believes pet was shot
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AN Easter Ross cat owner who believes her eight-year-old pet was shot by an air gun is issuing a warning to others.
Mum-of-two Stacey Williamson realised there was something wrong when Tigger started over-grooming and she then spotted a bald patch on his side.
She said: “We found him like that in the morning but it must have happened the night before as he sleeps at the bottom of the bed with me and he was cleaning himself all night long. That’s why the fur has come away.”
The vet could not confirm the wound had been caused by a pellet shot but it was not ruled out. If the wound heals and closes, the cat may be fine, otherwise surgery could be needed.
Stacey (27), who lives at Kirkside in Alness with partner Michael and their children Leo (8) and Jake (2), is convinced her cat was shot.
She said: “The puncture wound is just too perfectly round to be anything else. My mum, who lives across the road in Teaninich Street, was so upset when her six-month-old kitten was shot just over a year ago. He had to have a pellet surgically removed from his ear.
“This is what makes me think that this is what has happened to Tigger as they roam the same area. My mum’s kitten had only just started going out a week or so before it was shot which also makes us think it’s someone in the local area who’s doing this.
“She reported it to the police but nothing more came of it.
“I’m looking into getting all three of my cats insured now because you just don’t know what kind of people might be living in the local area. It’s very sad.
“I hate the thought that someone in the area could do that to someone’s pet and I’m worried about my three cats going out now. I know my neighbours feel the same.”
Ms Williamson added: “We don’t think there in anything left in there thank goodness but he’s still just sleeping in the house most of the day. We tried to let him out for a bit this week but he wasn’t keen which is unlike him. I’m guessing he might just need a bit more rest and I am sure he will be back to his normal self.”
Scottish SPCA chief superintendent Mike Flynn said: “Disturbingly, some people seem to think it is fun to maim and kill defenceless animals with air weapons and this is completely unacceptable in a modern, civilised society. Cats are common victims of air weapons and we receive many reports of animals being targeted each year.
“If you suspect a cat has been shot by a BB gun or have information relating to an incident we would urge you to contact our animal helpline on 03000 999 999.”
