CATALOGUE OF CRUELTY
RSPCA warning top et owners after spa te of vicious attacks on animals
Cat owners across Wearside are being urged to be vigilant after a series of horrific attacks on pets.
Both Northumbria Police and RSPCA officials have been alerted to “incredibly distressing” acts of cruelty in recent days. These have included: A cat kicked to death in Caldew Court, Houghton, on Sunday, September 10.
A kitten shot by an air rifle in Grindon Park on Thursday, September 14.
A cat killed after being shot in Belstone Court, Silksworth, on Wednesday.
Reports of other cats being injured or going missing in the west of the city.
Police say they are keeping an open mind as to whether the attacks are connected.
Horrified pet owner Sophie Tuncsik, 30, had her 10-month-old kitten Nico shot in Grindon Park.
Sophie, who is mum to eight-year-old Aleese, had let Nico and his brother Boo out on the lawn when he was attacked.
She said: ““I took him to the vet and he had broken his leg quite severely.”
“An X-ray confirmed that Nico had been shot. Thankfully, after undergoing surgery to remove the airgun pellet and repair his leg with metal pins and plates, his leg was saved.
“He was only out for an hour-and-a-half and some horrible, vile person has shot him. I don’t think it was a child either, because it was during school hours.
“It was probably an adult. I am absolutely disgusted that someone could actual- ly do something like that to a little cute kitten.”
Neighbourhood Inspector Tony Carty said: “We know that cat owners will find these incidents incredibly distressing and I would like to reassure them we are working with the RSPCA and doing all we can to identify those responsible, and will take appropriate action against anyone who unlawfully injures or kills and animal.
“We’re keeping an open mind as to whether these incidents are linked or an awful coincidence and would ask anyone who has information that can help with our enquiries to get in contact.”
An RSPCA spokesperson said: “It is a depressing fact that every year hundreds of victims of airgun attacks are reported to the RSPCA. While wild animals are often victims, the most targeted animal is domestic cats that often suffer fatal or life-changing injuries.”
Any witnesses or anyone with information can ring Northumbria Police on 101 or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.