Teenager Arrested Over Cat's Death

A 14-year-old boy's been arrested and bailed after a cat was shot with an air rifle on the Isle of Wight and later died.

Police are investigating the  shooting of a cat in East Cowes on the Isle of  Wight.

The shooting is reported to have taken place sometime between 10am and 6pm on Saturday, September 25, 2010. The cat was found injured in College Way, East Cowes on the Saturday evening.

Investigating officer PC Justin Pringle of the East Cowes Safer Neighbourhoods team said: “The cat was shot in the abdomen with a pellet from an air rifle and unfortunately died two days later due to internal injuries.

“This is a particularly horrific case that has left a young family devastated at losing a much loved pet. The offender needs to be brought to justice for causing unnecessary suffering to the animal, and ultimately its death.

“The Cowes and East Cowes Safer Neighbourhoods teams are continuing to carry out enquiries in the local area as the exact location and circumstances of the shooting remain unknown at this time. We are appealing to the community in East Cowes to establish if anyone witnessed the incident or has information that may assist the investigation.”

Police have also informed animal protection charity, the RSPCA.

A 14-year-old boy from the Isle of Wight was arrested on September 30, 2010 on suspicion of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal. He was bailed until October 28, 2010 pending further enquiries.

Anyone with information is asked to  phone Cowes Police Station on 101. From outside Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, call the police on 0845 045 45 45. Information can be given anonymously by calling the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.