Anti-bullying cat shot twice in two years in ‘wild, wild west’
PRINCE Butterscotch is the furry face of anti-bullying – but the Matamata moggy has come in for some harsh treatment himself.
The two-year-old ginger – a mascot for Little Red Matters, a book promoting awareness about the bullying of red-haired children – was shot with a pellet gun on Wednesday – just a year after recovering from similar injuries.
Owner Bianca Duimel has now forked out more than $2000 in vets bills following the two shootings and is devastated.
‘‘It’s horrible,’’ Duimel said. ‘‘It’s the second time, though. It’s just really bizarre. I feel as though I’m living in the wild, wild west. I didn’t believe it at first. I thought it was too weird.’’
Duimel and her two children, who moved to Matamata more than a year ago, now have Prince Butterscotch at home, heavily sedated and recovering.
‘‘I find it odd that it’s happened twice. Someone is obviously trying to get rid of my cat. That’s how it feels. Plus, it’s in a suburban area. It’s just downright dangerous. People could get hurt.’’