A CAT was left paralysed before having to be put to sleep after being shot with an air gun.
Six-year-old Pearly was rushed to Medivet in Leamington on July 27 after being found injured and unable to use her back legs.
After vets carried out x-rays they discovered an air gun pellet lodged in her spine causing her back legs to be paralysed.
The cat was put to sleep to end her suffering.
RSPCA inspector Claire Davey has now launched an investigation to discover who attacked her.
Pearly’s owner Tanya Randle, is devastated at the loss of their family pet.
She said: “I was upset and shocked and then it turned into anger. How can someone do that to an animal? It’s disgusting.”
Pearly went missing on July 25 and Tanya was out looking for her near to their Leamington home in Robbins Way when they heard a cat meowing nearby.
She said: “We were calling for her in the garden and could hear her crying. We went into the alley behind our house and followed the sound of her cries to someone else’s garden. She couldn’t move.
“We don’t know who is responsible for shooting her. She never went far, she didn’t really roam, so it must have been someone local. It’s a small community and everyone has animals so it’s really shocking.”
Claire says each year the RSPCA receives hundreds of calls reporting incidents of animals being shot and injured – or even killed – by air guns.
She added: “We’re calling for mandatory licensing of air guns and also want to see improved enforcement of airgun legislation.
“These weapons are not only dangerous for our pets and wildlife, but also potentially dangerous for people too and it’s time there was more control over their sale and use.”
Anyone with information about Pearly is asked to call 0300 123 8018 and speak to the RSPCA’s appeal line.
