A cat that was shot in the head in a ‘callous’ attack has survived after emergency treatment – and rescuers now hope he can be found a new home.
The RSPCA has launched an investigation into the Sheffield air rifle shooting on Thursday, November 26, which saw the male stray hit between the eyes in Gregg House Road, Shiregreen.
The injured cat, later named Buddy, was rushed to a nearby vet for emergency treatment after a resident who had been feeding him noticed the wound and called for help. A gun pellet fell from his head when it was inspected.
Animal rescuer Liz Braidley was sent to collect the injured animal, who had been living in the area, before he was rushed to the vet.
The cat responded well and is now in the care of the RSPCA’s Sheffield and District Branch, who say he is very friendly.
Video footage shows Buddy strutting around his new temporary home and being given sweets from a concerned local, who heard about his plight.
Vets confirmed that the pellet wound is healing, as well as an untreated abscess behind his ear.
Buddy was not microchipped, so once he has recovered it is hoped that he can be found a new home.
Ms Braidley is also keen to locate the person responsible for the attack.
She said: ‘It is very concerning that someone has deliberately targeted an innocent animal like this by shooting it to the front of the head. It is such a callous attack on a defenceless animal.
‘Thankfully, Buddy is doing well but he has been through a horrible ordeal and this could have been far worse.
‘To aim between the eyes suggests someone was trying to kill him but the vet said he was lucky as the pellet hit skull and fortunately was unable to penetrate it.’
She continued: ‘Unfortunately, attacks like this are not as rare as we would like. Cats and wildlife are more susceptible to these incidents simply because they are out in the open with no one to protect them.
‘We’d also like to remind people that anyone caught deliberately harming an animal can be up to six months in prison and an unlimited fine if found guilty under the Animal Welfare Act.’
Hayley Crookes, animal care leader at the charity’s Sheffield branch, said: ‘Buddy is coming on leaps and bounds – he is such a lovely friendly cat we can’t understand why anyone would want to hurt him.
‘The abscess behind his ear is already clearing thanks to medication and the pellet wound is closing up nicely too.
‘We have received a lot of support from kind people on social media who have been touched by Buddy’s plight – one lady even dropped off some treats for him which he loved. We are so grateful.’
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call the RSPCA appeals line on 0300 123 8018.
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