It is not uncommon in the UK to read stories of cats shot with an air gun. This seems to come about through boredom. Yes, it sounds absurd. Boredom and a complete disregard for others including animals. This is the action of a bored ignorant person. A not uncommon situation in the UK.
In this instance cats in Loughton, England are being shot. Loughton is close to London and north east of it. Two cats belonging to a woman were shot and hit. Both survived, one has a limp as it was impossible to remove all the pellet. Two other cats are involved, one is dead and one missing.
Both the police and the RSPCA are involved. The police said that they were investigating under section 41 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006. I think that they meant section 4 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
Cats shot with air gun is a crime and the person doing it if convicted could receive a prison sentence of no more than 51 weeks and/or a fine of £20,000.
Cats shot with air gun - Update 30-10-08: Another cat has been shot with an air gun. This time it took place in Haverhill. Haverhill is further from London than Loughton but also north east of London. A cat was hit in the shoulder by an air pellet. The vet couldn't operate for fear of damaging the nerves. The owner will now have to keep Phoebe in. Could this be the same person?
Hi
ReplyDeleteI have just read your article on cats being shot with BB guns, it's very informative, thanks for that. We live in Muswell Hill, North London + our cat Gino Bob has been shot + badly injured twice in the las t year. The police were helpful but said something about it being dealt with as criminal damage. Are they wrong? From what you've written it sounds like it. G Bob will never be happy kept indoors so we will have to start looking for a new home for him, even though we love him so much. He's still recovering from last injury + we will not let him out in this area again.
I have emailed our local newspaper about G Bob + if they would write about the BB gun trend. A reporter wants to speak to me, so that's something.
From Maria Therese Davies
email address - mariatheresedavies@yahoo.co.uk
Hi, thanks for your comment. The police are correct but out of touch. They should prosecute under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and not under the crime of criminal damage. The 2006 Act is more modern. To prosecute under the Criminal Damage Act 1971 is an old fashioned method of proceeding in my opinion and I would challenge the police on this. I'd ask some pertinent questions. I personally have no faith in the police particularly when in comes to cruelty against animals.
ReplyDeleteSee the Animal Welfare Act 2006.