Advertisement

Family 'horrified' after friendly pet cat shot with airgun FOUR times in Essex

Family 'horrified' after friendly pet cat shot with airgun FOUR times in Essex <i>(Image: RSPCA)</i>
Family 'horrified' after friendly pet cat shot with airgun FOUR times in Essex (Image: RSPCA)

The RSPCA is appealing for information as a family is "horrified" after their much-loved cat was shot four times in Essex.

Sweet-natured Polly, who was only one year old, was found by her devastated owners in Gaiger Close, Chelmsford on Wednesday November 16.

She had gone out as normal earlier in the day but didn’t return back as usual.

Her worried owners were looking for her all day before she was found in her garden during the early evening - lethargic and collapsed.

Her distraught owners - worried she had been hit by a car - immediately took her to a vet where sadly it was discovered she had been shot with an air gun four times - much to everyone’s horror.

X-rays revealed she had been shot twice in her abdomen, once in her leg and also in her right eye - all believed to have been at close range.

Polly had sustained devastating injuries which had caused so much damage that, sadly, the kindest thing to do was to put her to sleep to end her suffering.

Her owners have been left heartbroken and devastated by the cruel incident and now want to warn other pet owners in the area to be vigilant - so that no one else has to go through the same.

Her family said she was a beautiful, friendly cat who was known and loved by all the neighbours.

RSPCA animal rescue officer Jen Richardson said: “It is devastating to hear what happened to poor Polly and our hearts go out to her poor owners.

“This was a callous and cruel attack on a helpless and defenseless animal and I am horrified by what has happened to Polly.

“We are investigating this and would urge anyone with information to call the inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018.”

The family have also reported the incident to the police.