Fury after pet cats are shot Callforinfoonheartlessthugs
A number of pet cats have been shot in a Perthshire village.
Up to five cats have been targeted by an air rifle in Stanley, leaving the beloved pets with significant wounds and injuries.
Although none of the cats have died as a result of the shootings, they are currently being examined by vets to determine the extent of their wounds.
The Perth branch of Cats Protection reported the shootings on their Facebook page and is now urging anyone with more information to contact the Scottish SPCA.
A spokesperson said: “If you have any information that might be useful in tracking down the culprit, or if your cat has also been targeted, please contact the police and the SSPCA on 03000 999999.”
Chief Superintendent Mike Flynn from the Scottish SPCA say cats are often targeted by air weapons.
He said: “Disturbingly, some people seem to think it is fun to maim and kill defenceless animals with air weapons and this is completely unacceptable in a modern, civilised society. Wild animals and cats are the most common victims of air weapons and we receive many reports of animals being targeted each year.”
A number of people in the community have moved to condemn the attacks.
Strathtay ward councillor Grant Laing, himself a cat owner, said that if the issue is not stopped, it could escalate.
He added: “It is absolutely shocking how anybody could shoot anything that is defenceless.
“I hope it has all been reported to the police and I am sure that they will be proactive in tackling this problem and the perpetrators are brought to account, because they could shoot something else.
“There have been tragedies where youngsters have been killed by BB guns.
“A child could be injured, any member of the public could be injured, if this continues.
“It is bad enough it is cats – they are people’s pets, and for some lonely people it is their only living contact.”
Fellow ward councillor Ian James wants to
A number of cats have been shot in Stanley. Inset Cllr Ian James is shocked help members of the community who have information on the incidents.
He said: “How on earth can someone do that to a living creature?
“I’m very much an animal lover and support animal charities. I’m director of one and volunteer at two, so any animal cruelty gets my back up.
“I really hope these people, whether it’s a person who is upset with cats or kids messing around, are caught and get what they deserve.
“I don’t think sentencing for animal crimes is strong enough in the UK. People think life is cheap and it is not.
“I just hope someone has the guts to stand up to this. If they don’t want to contact the police, they can contact me and I will forward the information.
“Animal cruelty seems to be the norm with a lot of people.”
Katie McCandless from Dog Friendly Perthshire, said the attacks were “appalling”.
Katie, who has two house cats of her own, said: “I have two house cats and I think it’s appalling that anyone could hurt another animal.”
People think that life is cheap, it is not