Cat Put Down After Shooting

6 March 2012, 11:43 | Updated: 6 March 2012, 15:10

A cat's had to be put down after it was shot three times in Luton with an air rifle.

Fifteen year old short haired tabby cat Tom, who had been adopted by his owners as a kitten from the RSPCA, was found not far from his home in Chard Drive, Luton, on Thursday 1 March 2012.

Police think the shooting must have happened somewhere very near Chard Drive between 9am and 4pm on 1 March because when he was found, Tom was unable to move. His hind quarters were completely disabled by three air rifle pellets lodged in his rear body.  

PC Carl Perri from Bedfordshire Police is investigating the case and would like to hear from anyone who saw, or knows of anyone, in the vicinity with an air weapon who may have shot Tom.

“The cat’s owners are, understandably, very sad and distressed by what’s happened to their pet. I would very much like anyone who has information about who may have done this to contact me, in confidence if necessary,” said PC Perri.

“Shooting pets with air rifles is not a piece of harmless fun. It’s terribly cruel and often results in a painful death for the animal or, at best, expensive vet bills for the owners,” he said. “It’s also a criminal offence which may carry a heavy fine or even custody for the culprits.”

Anyone who can help PC Perri is asked to contact him via the Bedfordshire Police switchboard on the non-emergency number 101, or call Crimestoppers, the independent charity, on 0800 555111. You do not have to give your name but could still receive a cash reward.