Leamington family left devastated after cat had to be put down after being shot

A Leamington family have been left devastated after they had to put down their cat after it was shot.

Pearly, who was six, was rushed to Medivet in Leamington on July 27 after being found injured and unable to use her back legs.

It was found that she was shot with an air gun.

RSPCA Inspector Claire Davey said: “The vets carried out x-rays and discovered a pellet from an air gun was lodged in her spine causing complete paralysis of her back legs.

“Tragically, vets felt there was nothing they could do to help her and put her to sleep to end her suffering.”

Claire has now launched an investigation and is appealing for information on what happened to Pearly and who may be responsible for attacking her.

Pearly’s owner, Tanya Randle, is devastated at the loss of their family pet.

She said: “I was upset and shocked and then it turned into anger. How can someone do that to an animal? It’s disgusting.”

Pearly went missing on 25 July and Tanya was out looking for her near to their home in Robbins Way when they finally heard a cat meowing nearby.

She added: “We were calling for her in the garden and could hear her crying. We went into the alley behind our house and followed the sound of her cries to someone else’s garden.

"She couldn’t move.

“We don’t know who is responsible for shooting her.

"She never went far, she didn’t really roam, so it must have been someone local. It’s a small community and everyone has animals so it’s really shocking.”

Every year, the RSPCA receives hundreds of calls reporting incidents of animals being shot and injured - or even killed - by air guns.

Claire said: “We’re calling for mandatory licensing of air guns and also want to see improved enforcement of airgun legislation as well as better, more targeted education and explanation of the law for those buying one.

“These weapons are not only dangerous for our pets and wildlife, but also potentially dangerous for people too and it’s time there was more control over their sale and use.”

If you have any information about what happened to Pearly, please contact the RSPCA’s appeal line on 0300 123 8018.

To report an incident involving an air gun or an injured animal, please contact the RSPCA’s emergency hotline on 0300 1234 999.