£1000 For Information On Injured Cat

PETA in Ringwood in Hampshire is offering a £1000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons who shot a cat in the eye with an air gun.

Rosebud, a 9-month-old tabby, was shot at close range on an evening in early May. She was discovered, traumatised and shaking, by her guardians the next day and had to undergo surgery because her right eye was so damaged from the assault that it had to be removed. It is believed that the attack was deliberate.

"Anyone capable of deliberately inflicting pain and suffering on a defenceless animal demonstrates a worrying psychological state", says PETA spokesperson Sandra Smiley.

"Animals are often practice victims for people with violent tendencies, so it's important for the safety of the whole community, both human and non-human animals, that this person be found."

PETA claims that law enforcement agencies and leading mental-health professionals agree perpetrators of violent and callous acts against animals are often repeat offenders who pose a serious threat to all animals – including humans.

Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact the RSPCA cruelty line on 0300 1234 999. For more information, please visit www.PETA.org.uk