Much-loved cat shot in suspected rifle attack in Norton

The RSPCA is appealing for information after the young female cat had to be put to sleep after being seriously injured when she was shot in North Yorkshire.

The grey and white tabby is believed to have been targeted with a .22 rifle.

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She was rushed to a vet after returning to her home in Whitewall, Norton, on Tuesday, May 5 after going missing the previous weekend.

Her owners thought she had been involved in a road traffic accident because she was unable to use her back legs.

An examination showed the young cat had suffered an entry wound to her abdomen and a shattered femur.

Due to the fragments retrieved, it is believed she had been shot with a live round from a .22 rifle.

Despite emergency treatment her condition deteriorated and she was sadly put to sleep the following day on veterinary advice.

The RSPCA is appealing to anyone with information to come forward and is asking pet owners living in Welham Road, Whitewall Corner Hill and the surrounding area to be vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to the police.

RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer, James Dack, said: “Our hearts go out to the owners of this young cat who have lost their much-loved cat in the most dreadful circumstances.

“If she hadn’t managed to get home she may never have been found and she would have suffered, alone, even more. We’d urge anyone with first-hand knowledge about this incident to get in touch.”

The RSPCA has received nearly 500 reports about weapon attacks on animals over the past three years including incidents involving guns, catapults and crossbows.

As more police forces are seeing worrying levels of weapons-related incidents, the charity has helped to develop initiatives like Operation Lakeshot, a police-led partnership which aims to tackle catapult-related wildlife crime.

Anyone with information about the shooting in can contact the RSPCA’s inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018 quoting reference number 01795343.