A PET cat has been shot by an unknown attacker with an air rifle in York.
Jack, a two-year-old cat owned by Dan and Catherine Browne, of Whenby Grove, Huntington, was shot on Tuesday morning.
The couple have already spent £200 on treatment for their pet.
Mr Browne said: “He ran into the house just after 6am on Tuesday morning, and was making a lot of noise.
“He went straight under the bed and hid there. We managed to coax him out and noticed he was limping quite badly.”
The couple took Jack to a vet, who X-rayed jack and spotted a metal air-gun pellet which was still lodged in the flesh just above his rear right leg.
Mr Browne said: “We’ve been allowed to bring him home for a few days, but we’re not sure how he’s doing.
“He’s still dragging his back leg a lot, and we’re not sure how much of that feeling he’ll get back. He used to be quite energetic, but he’s still fairly young. He’s not interested in going outside any more.”
Jack is the second cat in as many weeks to be shot in York. Last week, The Press reported how Lorena Healey’s cat Calvin died in agony on its way to a specialist vet in Liverpool, only days after he was shot with an air rifle.
A spokesman for North Yorkshire Police said: “This an appalling act of pointless cruelty against a defenceless animal.
“The motivation behind such mindless behaviour beggars the mind.
“The person responsible should also bear in mind the potential consequences.
“If someone fires a weapon in public they will be dealt with by armed police officers responding to the incident, which may have very serious outcomes.”
If you can help with the inquiry, phone PC Andrew Pearson on 0845 6060247, quoting reference number 12110094043, or phone Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.
Senseless cruelty
WHAT on earth possesses someone to shoot a cat?
We agree with the police who called the attack on Dan and Catherine Browne’s cat, Jack, an appalling act of pointless cruelty. Because this wasn’t an accident, it was a deliberate act of wanton callousness.
Whoever did this to poor Jack should hang their heads in shame and we can only hope they are made to account for their despicable deed to Dan and Catherine. It won’t be quite so funny then.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel