A Brakpan animal lover is calling on cat owners to be vigilant after her beloved pet was shot with a pellet gun.
Laetitia Smith, who lives along Kingsway Avenue, told the Herald her black and white moggie Oreo recently came home with a serious injury.
“My mom, who is at home during the day, phoned me at work and said that Oreo was bleeding profusely,” said Laetitia.
“Oreo was very suspicious and wouldn’t let my mom or son have a look at her but eventually they coaxed her into the house with food.”
Laetitia arrived home and immediately took Oreo to a local veterinarian clinic.
“The vet wasn’t very happy and suggested Oreo have X-rays as he suspected the wound was caused by a bullet.”
The vet’s suspicion proved correct and Oreo underwent surgery to remove the pellet from her right shoulder.
“The vet said Oreo was very lucky because the bullet was lodged in a muscle,” said Laetitia.
While thankful that Oreo wasn’t killed, Laetitia is disappointed that the perpetrator will never be brought to book.
“Nothing can be done without concrete proof but I am sure I know who shot her,” she said.
“This person has previously warned me that Oreo will be dealt with.”
Laetitia commented that this is the second time one of her pets has been shot.
Another one of her felines, Twister, also suffered at the hands of a cruel individual with a pellet gun.
Twister survived the shooting.
“It wouldn’t surprise me if it was the same person,” said Laetitia.
“I know and understand that not everybody likes cats but it is not necessary to shoot them.
“I really hope whoever did this, or anyone who thinks it’s brave to shoot a defenceless animal, will read this and know that they are cruel and have no feelings or conscience whatsoever.”
The use of a pellet gun on any animal, including on any wild bird is a violation of the Animals Protection Act No 71 of 1962 and anybody seen doing so must be reported to the police and SPCA immediately.
The Firearms Act also makes it a criminal offence to discharge an air gun in a built-up area or public place.
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