| Fears for safety of children as cat shot from public open space - 4th June '09 |
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Parents and pet owners are keeping their children and pets indoors after a beloved cat was shot from close range last night. The incident happened between 8.30pm and 9pm on Wednesday night while many residents were out enjoying the evening sunshine.
Local resident Keith Bowditch said:
"We were horrified to realise that guns are being used illegally to shoot at anything that moves round here. I'm well aware of the laws regarding gun ownership, even air guns, and this is totally unacceptable behaviour.
Our neighbour is very distraught at the thought of the pain her cat was in - I dread to think how we would have felt if it had been ours."
The police have been informed and all neighbours in the vicinity who own cats have been informed of the details.
Cllr Bevan said:
"What worries me is that this could be the thin end of the wedge unless these people are caught and their guns confiscated. I am appalled at their disregard for the suffering they caused this animal.
Residents are understandably panicking, not only about their pets but their children who play on this public open space.
I would appeal for anyone who witnessed this act, or who knows anything relevant to it to contact the police on 0845 456 7000 to help put a stop to this."
The animal is being treated at Combe Down veterinary surgery where the bullets will be preserved and handed to police.
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