Family pet hurt after shooting
A cat owner has told how she came home to find her beloved pet had been shot with an air rifle.
Sarah Cooper, 28, discovered family pet the Duke of Mostyn lying face down and mewing in pain in her living room.
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Sarah Cooper with the Duke of Mostyn
The cat – so named because the family live in Mostyn Street, in Leicester's West End – had been shot in the stomach.
He had to have a two-hour operation to remove the pellet.
Mrs Cooper said: "The cat lay face-down on the rug which he never does, he was making a weird noise and when I tried to pick him up he wouldn't let me.
"Then he crawled under the bed and hid, so I definitely knew something was wrong."
She took her cat to King Richard Veterinary Centre, in Glenfield Road after the shooting, which happened at about 2pm on Tuesday, December 30.
X-rays showed a small sharp pointed pellet had gone in on the right side of the chest and travelled through to the left side of the belly.
The Duke of Mostyn was kept at the surgery for observation until Friday, when he was taken home.
Vet Ioana Junquera, who carried out the operation, said the pet was still very poorly.
She said: "He is doing well, although he is not out of the woods yet. He is still at risk of infection.
"If all goes well he should make a full recovery in about 10 days, but he could easily open the wound again if he goes jumping around."
Mrs Cooper said: "I want to shame the people who did it and get them prosecuted.
"I will be scared to let him out now. My dad said he would look after the cat and if he makes it then I am seriously considering taking him up on his offer."
RSPCA inspector Sally Kearns said: "Unfortunately, it is a fairly regular occurrence especially at holiday times.
"Young kids who get air rifles for Christmas can go out and start shooting harmlessly in the garden, but if they get bored and fancy a live target there's not much anyone can do.
"It can kill an animal quite easily if it hits a major organ or an artery. Some animals aren't that lucky and don't even make it to the vets."
12 Comments
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by snail, trail
Monday, January 12 2009, 2:08PM
“Mr LFE, 95% of all crimes committed are committed by the young. All first crimes committed are committed by the age of 30 years old. The facts are that kids *are* primarily responsible for these types of crimes. And yes, I classify kids as anyone up to 21. I havent yet met a 21 yr old with a mature attitude, regardless of their upbringing.”
by Mr LFE, LFE
Monday, January 05 2009, 1:59PM
“Kids get blamed for everything these days - even when it's just hearsay with no proof!”
by Jane C, Leicester
Monday, January 05 2009, 1:04PM
“It would be interesting to know what Mr LFE, LFE does count as newsworthy. This story is newsworthy, IMHO, because it is in the public interest for people to know what is happening in their area. Not everyone owns or likes animals, but many do. Those who do may want to know that their pets are possibly in danger. There is a comment in the story about this being a more common occurrence around this time of year because air guns are given as Christmas presents. Well, that's worth knowing for pet owners. There is also another public interest angle here which is the whole issue of air guns and whether children should be allowed to own them. The story might make some people consider whether this is right and whether they should be concerned about it. If the headline doesn't grab you Mr LFE, LFE then just skip over the story like anyone else would.”
by Kate, Coalville
Monday, January 05 2009, 12:52PM
“Sarah, ignore all the petty arguing below. I have a cat and I'd be devastated if someone hurt him. I hope the Duke gets well soon.”
by Mr LFE, LFE
Monday, January 05 2009, 12:32PM
“Bless you Daniel for your time.
The thing is, there's a difference between an opinion and annoyance. I could think you're annoying because I don't agree with your opinion but I'm not that shallow to preach.
The thing is, there's a lot of scum bags out there who have no morals what-so-ever and hurting animals is an everyday occurance...wrong, but it happens, but I don't think it's worthy of a story in the paper...
I might start selling a line of animal flak jackets though, so owners don't get worried.”
by Daniel, Leicester
Monday, January 05 2009, 12:27PM
“Mr LFE, dear dear, perhaps the owner is smiling because her cat is not DEAD. I would like to know if someone in my area has had their pet shot at YES then I can be extra careful with my own, thanks! maybe you need to work harder so you dont annoy anymore people on here!”
by Mr LFE, LFE
Monday, January 05 2009, 12:20PM
“I found a fox on the street this morning which had been ran over by a car - should I go to the paper?
'Oooo, I really hope it gets better', like you really care!
The owner doesn't look that upset in the photo does she - all the fame of being in the paper?
I do get out dave, the thing is I have a job and I need to pass the time...what's your excuse?”
by Alison Bannister, Enderby
Monday, January 05 2009, 12:08PM
“Mr LFE - if a cat gets shot it is news for people who live in the area and want to be extra vigilant when imbeciles are running around with air rifles. It could be a child next time.”
by Dave, Leicester
Monday, January 05 2009, 12:04PM
“You are all heart Mr LFE.
Please get out more”
by Ru, Leicester
Monday, January 05 2009, 11:59AM
“Poor thing! He gets some serious cat points for the brilliant name.
I hope he gets better soon!”