Pet lover’s shock over cat shootings
Two shooting incidents involving the death and injury of two much-loved household pets are being investigated by police officers on Mull.
Fiona Henderson from the Rockfield area in Tobermory was devastated in November when her beloved cat Emre, aged two, was shot twice and killed by an air gun, or similar weapon.
Named after former Liverpool midfielder Emre Can, Fiona’s youngest cat was extremely affectionate and loved attention.
‘The chilling verdict of the vet was that he was shot from close range, perhaps indicating that it was this affection that got him killed,’ said Fiona.
‘Tobermory is an incredibly safe place, so this came as a massive shock. I had to tell my son (who is at university) over the phone that Emre was not only dead, but that he was killed.
‘He was, of course, hugely saddened by this, that his wee affectionate pal had been killed, but overwhelmingly shocked at how such a thing could happen on such an ostensibly safe street.’
Exactly a month later, on the night of Christmas Eve/ early Christmas morning, Fiona’s older cat Bear, aged four, was shot and injured in similar circumstances.
‘Bear and Erme were the closest of buddies,’ added Fiona. ‘He, too, is really affectionate and a massive scaredy-cat.
‘He is a huge character and it’s hard to imagine the house without him, which is why it came as such a shock to see him in the awful state he was in on Christmas Day.
‘It was hard to believe that, after the reaction caused by the original shooting, someone would be cruel enough to do it again. But, according to the vet, that is exactly what most likely nearly killed our Bear at Christmas.
‘Pets really are family and it’s heartbreaking to see them suffer, or worse.
‘I’d urge those with any information to please come forward. It has become obvious that the original incident was deliberate and the prospect of a repeat is cause for major concern.’
The incidents have shocked the animal-loving community in Tobermory where there is growing concern over the safety of household pets.
Mull police officers are investigating the incident and are appealing for any witnesses or anyone with any information to contact them or call 101 and quote incident number 3885 of 07/01/20. Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.