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Pet cat dies of horrific injuries after being shot with high-powered air gun in ‘brutal act of cruelty’

<em>Duchy died of horrific injuries after he was gunned down by a modified high-powered air rifle fitted with a laser light (PA)</em>
Duchy died of horrific injuries after he was gunned down by a modified high-powered air rifle fitted with a laser light (PA)

A pet cat has died after suffering horrific injuries when he was targeted and gunned down by a modified high-powered air rifle fitted with a laser light.

Valerie and Keith Edmondson’s pet cat, Duchy, was shot near their home in Heswall, Merseyside, in a “deliberate and brutal act of cruelty”, the RSPCA said.

A neighbour in Sandham Grove reported hearing a gunshot at about 10.30pm on Friday and when she looked out of her window she saw a red laser coming from a nearby field.

<em>An X-ray revealed a bullet entered just behind his front leg and fragmented the bone before it shattered into tiny pieces (PA)</em>
An X-ray revealed a bullet entered just behind his front leg and fragmented the bone before it shattered into tiny pieces (PA)

When she went to investigate she saw Duchy writhing in pain after struggling to climb a fence.

Duchy was rushed to the vet by Mrs Edmondson but sadly he did not survive.

An X-ray revealed a bullet entered just behind his front leg and fragmented the bone before it shattered into tiny pieces and caused shrapnel-type wounds near the entry wound and into the chest.

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Mrs Edmondson said: “He was my son’s cat but I inherited him five years ago and can’t tell you how much pleasure he brought me.

“He was gorgeous and loved to follow me around the house but would also enjoy going in the garden and exploring nearby.

“He was in terrible pain from his injuries. He was wailing, it was awful to see him suffer so much.

<em>The bullet caused shrapnel-type wounds near the entry wound and into the chest (PA)</em>
The bullet caused shrapnel-type wounds near the entry wound and into the chest (PA)

“I just hope someone can help the RSPCA find the person responsible so no-one else has to go through what we have. I also worry that a person could have been shot as the gun was aimed towards houses.”

RSPCA inspector Anthony Joynes, who is investigating the incident, said: “Based on these injuries and the laser light the neighbour saw, it is believed the gun used was a probably an air rifle which had been modified to be high-powered.

“It is obviously really concerning that someone was in that area with this type of weapon and used it to shoot towards some residential properties.”

<em>Duchy was rushed to the vet but he did not survive his injuries (PA)</em>
Duchy was rushed to the vet but he did not survive his injuries (PA)

Inspector Joynes added: “It is very distressing to think that people take pleasure in causing such horrific injuries to defenceless animals. These are deliberate and brutal acts of cruelty…

“These weapons cause horrific pain and suffering and it is illegal. Anyone caught deliberately using an air gun to injure an animal can be up to six months in prison and/or an unlimited fine if found guilty under the Animal Welfare Act.”

Anyone with information should contact the RSPCA appeals line on 0300 123 8018.