Pet owner devastated after cat shot dead

A DEVASTATED cat owner has revealed her heartbreak after her pet was shot dead with a pellet gun.

Lousie McGregor's two-year-old tom cat, Bobby, was found dead in the back garden of her home in Chapel Street, Long Lawford, with a single pellet wound on the left side of his body last Thursday (June 14).

Miss McGregor's mother discovered him dead after going outside to call him inside, believing he was just laying down looking at the chickens in the garden.

It was only when she approached the cat that she realised he was dead and saw the wound on his body.

Bobby's distraught owner Miss McGregor has spoken about how the white and ginger cat helped her through depression and was more than just a pet to her.

"He wasn't just a cat, he was my companion, my baby, and I'm devastated," she said.

"This has absolutely killed me. I'd only had him two years - he was only a baby - and I just don't know how somebody could do this."

Miss McGregor believes Bobby was probably shot elsewhere and managed to make his way back home before dying.

The RSPCA has reacted with anger to the shooting and said whoever did it could be looking at a prison sentence of up to six months and a fine of up to £20,000.

Inspector Nicky Foster said: "To say I am angry about this is putting it mildly. What sort of person shoots at innocent animals?

"Bobby was an otherwise healthy big cat and from his body it was clear there was no other cause of death.

"I need people in this area to be aware of what has happened and to report anything they witnessed or anything they know. It is paramount no other animals suffer and die in similar circumstances so I urge anyone that knows anything to please get in contact.

"The last thing I want to happen is to be called to this area again to find the body of another animal leaving behind a distraught owner."

Anyone with information can call the RSPCA national cruelty and advice line on 0300 1234 999 to leave a message for inspector Nicky Foster.

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