Cat lucky to survive shooting

12:22pm Thursday 21st August 2008

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A MUCH-loved pet is lucky to be alive after becoming the latest victim of a spate of animal shootings.

Three-year-old ginger tom Goldsworthy was discovered collapsed in the rain and bleeding from a wound in his side near his home in Much Cowarne.

He was rushed to Bromyard Veterinary Centre, where staff fought successfully to save his life.

“We attempted to remove the metal pellet but it’s done so much damage,” said vet Sandy Weeks-Gibson. “There is a lot of swelling and bruising, as well as burns on his flesh.”

Goldsworthy was released from the vets on Saturday (August 16) and is now recovering at home, although he is not allowed to go outside and the pellet has still not been removed.

Owner Christopher Fincken said he was appalled by what had happened.

“He needs a lot of TLC, and he is a very lucky cat,” said Mr Fincken. “But this sort of thing simply has to stop.

"The nature of the injuries show that this was not an accident. He was deliberately targeted, and must have been shot from fairly close range.

“I’m just appalled really, but I am deeply grateful to the vets in Bromyard who have been outstanding.”

The attack on Goldsworthy is one of a spate of animal shootings that have taken place recently. Earlier this month, tabby cat Frankie had bones in his leg and chest shattered when he was shot with an airgun in Stoke Prior, near Bromsgrove.

And an eight-year-old dog had to be put down in Allensmore, south of Hereford, after he was shot in the chest.

Maverick, an 11-year-old black-and-white tom is fighting for his life after being shot in the head with an airgun in Worcester, and a ferret is being cared for by Droitwich Ferret Welfare after being shot in the paw.

Goldsworthy was shot between 10pm on Tuesday, August 12 and 8am the following morning. Police are investigating, and anyone with information should call Lisa Hewitt on 08457 444888, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.