shooting of 17 year old family pet cat on Cats Ash Road.

[mjsully]

Hi, last Wednesday morning I was awoken by the painful cries from our cat, Jasmine. She had a limp leg on at first glance there were no traces of any injuries that suggested she had been in a fight or hit by a vehicle. We took her to the vet who needed to x-ray her.
In the afternoon he reported back that she had been shot with an air rifle.
Her injuries were appauling and the shoulder was shattered. An operation was needed to attempt to save her leg, but due to her age the 'outcome' was precarious which could have resulted in her losing the limb or her life
Friday afternoon Jasmine underwent the operation to remove the pellet and pin her leg together, luckily due to the great skill of the vet she pulled through this ordeal. She now has to suffer the indignity of being caged up for ten weeks in order to let the healing process continue. During the ten weeks we have to make weekly trips back to the vet and hopefully Jasmine will not have to undergo further procedures which according to the vet would be 'touch and go' due to the injuries she had sustained.
Having had 17 years of freedom this ordeal is severley affecting her due to the restrictive nature of the cage. It seems the 'pain' just continues for this innocent family pet.
The vet commented that this 'practice' of shooting pets was becomming more prevelant and the penalty if caught was a £20,000 fine and a 2 year custodial sentence. Obviously the 'unscrupulous culprit' has not been caught but I live in hope and ask everyone to be vigilant and report anyone seen in possesion of a gun (sleeved or not).
I have been to the Police and informed the RSPCA, both have stated they will come out and investigate anyone seen in the area with a weapon.
I am sorry to 'rant' but I believe this 'reprobate' be he living in or visiting our community will continue and fire at any innocent animal he sets sight on in the future.

on a remarkable note!!!!. Thursday my son, aged 22 was asked to provide proof of age when he went to purchase a small craft knife for his university project.Yet isn't it astounding that anyone can carry firearms in public streets aged 17. what a wonderful law that is !!!!!!!

Thankyou
Martin

[Admin]

Sorry to hear to of this cowardly and barbaric act. If I caught the culprit I know what I'd like to do to them!

I do hope that somebody knows something and is wiling to come forward. I'll make the Guestbook (http://www.langstonevillage.co.uk/forumdisplay.php?f=11) on this site open to guests so if somebody wants to anonymously provide help then please use this area to do so.

Can I second mjsully's call for residents to be vigilant. We must ensure that this sort of incident is not repeated. Next time it could be your pet that these idiots use for target practise.

[Alan7]

I echo Admin's words, especially as a "cat" person myself.:mad:

Why not set up a Neighbourhood Watch scheme in your area then all residents will be better/quicker informed when something like this happens.

Get in touch with me if you want further details.

[kristie]

Very sorry to hear about your cat. We did get your leaflet through our door, and although I can't help with any information, we will keep a look out. I hope your cat is continuing to make a good recovery.

It's not actually legal for a 17 year old (or anyone) to carry an airgun in a public place without reasonable excuse, or to fire it at all in a public place. Most firearms require a licence just to own it. Whoever it was has committed a number of criminal offences, which have only been exacerbated by the fact there was use of a firearm.

[steve]

Firstly the shooting of / at non-vermin is not acceptable

Secondly, the latest ( I think!) Home Office guidance on Air rifles / age/ use/ public places is here :-


http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/about-us/publications/home-office-circulars/circulars-2004/001-2004/

hope this explains where the Law appears to stand ( with the caveat that it may not be the most up to date version)