Family cat dies after being shot with air gun in Dorset
The RSPCA has described the attack as 'heartbreaking'
Last updated 22nd Mar 2024
Police and the RSPCA are investigating two attacks on cats with air guns in Dorset, including one in which a beloved family pet died.
10-month-old Aura was shot in the abdomen at the end of February in Lockyers Way in Lytchett Matravers, near Poole.
The animal welfare charity, which is appealing for information, says Aura was able to get herself home before collapsing.
RSPCA officer Jo Blackburn said:
10-month-old cat Aura lost her life after being shot in Lockyers Way, Lytchett Matravers near Poole.
“Her owner rushed her to the vets, where tragically the vet had no choice but to put her to sleep after going into shock, as a result of horrendous internal injuries sustained by the shooting.
"A pellet was removed having passed through abdominal internal organs.
"I can only imagine how devastated Aura's owners must be feeling right now. It's heartbreaking to lose a much loved family pet, but under these horrifically cruel circumstances so much worse."
Teams say they are also aware of a second cat sustaining very serious injuries after being shot.
Jo added:
"We’ve made numerous joint enquiries alongside Dorset Police. It worries me that other pets in the area could be at risk as well as wildlife.
"Other animals may have already been shot which we don’t know about so we’re really hoping anyone with information gets in touch via the RSPCA appeal line on 0300 123 8018.”
The RSPCA receives hundreds of calls to investigate such cases every year and sadly cats and wildlife are usually most often affected.
The animal welfare charity has been campaigning to remove the loophole from firearm legislation which allows minors unsupervised possession of air weapons on private land, describing it as a ‘recipe for disaster’.
The UK Government agreed with this proposal and in July 2022 undertook to amend the Firearms Rules 1998 to strengthen controls on access to airguns by minors, but this has yet to occur one year on.
Anyone caught deliberately using an air gun to injure an animal can face up to five years in prison and/or an unlimited fine if found guilty under the Animal Welfare Act.