Family cat left paralysed and in serious condition after being shot with an air rifle
A FAMILY cat has been left paralysed with life threatening injuries after being shot with an air rifle.
When neighbours found five year-old cat Max and returned it to Robert Townshend, it was initially thought the pet had been hit by a car.
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Family pet: Robert Townshend's cat, Max, before being paralysed by an air rifle.
"We took him in to the vets in Dunkirk, and they gave him pain killers and X-rayed him and found he had an air rifle pellet by his spine," said Mr Townshend, 64, who lives with his wife Juliette in Cropwell Bishop.
"He didn't look in a lot of pain, he was just paralysed, he was as friendly as ever and purring. I don't think he was in any real pain because of the damage to the spinal column."
At first they expected to have to put Max down but his condition has improved slightly.
However his prospects remain bleak as he cannot control his bladder or bowel and is still paralysed.
Mr Townshend said: "We're feeling pretty chewed up, it's a very sad and angry feeling at the same time.
"It's a mixture of emotions, to think that someone could have done this to our pet – a friendly cat, we don't know the circumstances, all we know is it's an air rifle."
The family are now paying for Max to be treated at a clinic in Castle Donington, which is where he is staying. "His care is costing a lot of money, but it's worth it," he said.
Max was found on July 11, and the incident was reported to the RSPCA and Notts Police.
RSPCA inspector Chris Shaw said: "The RSPCA is investigating.
"The injury would have caused incredible pain and suffering to the cat and we would appeal to anyone who may have any information in regards to this.
"We believe at this stage this was an isolated incident, but it is absolutely vital that if anyone saw anything suspicious or knows of anyone shooting at animals in the area they come forward with information.
"People cannot be allowed to get away with causing such awful injuries."
Anyone with information should contact the RSPCA in confidence on 0300 1234 999.
People found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal could face a maximum six-month prison sentence and/or a £20,000 fine.
72 Comments
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by Rob Townshend, Cropwell Bishop
Monday, November 15 2010, 5:50PM
“Iam happy to tell you that Max is recovering very well. He can walk now, albeit unsteadily on his back legs. He is sometimes firm, but most of the time he is a bit wobbly. He has not got bladder and bowel control fully back, but he is well past the stage of doubt about his long-term future.
All of our family are overjoyed that he has, not only survived, but getting back to a ¿sort-of¿ normality for a cat. He may never have the strength in his back legs to jump, but he has adjusted well to his two-dimensional life of being confined to the garden, where he sits in the sunshine whenever possible.
My daughter has taken the plunge and now has her own cat and my son has taken on two rescue cats after the recent death of 16 year old Ebby, who was born in our house and was very much my son¿s cat, going with him when he moved from the family home.
I have been approached by strangers, who recognized me from my picture in the Post, asking about Max and it is a pleasure to report his good progress.”
by Robert Townshend, Cropwell Bishop
Tuesday, August 03 2010, 5:38PM
“The good news is that Max is back home. The really good news is that day by day function is returning. He has a long way to go, but he is getting better. He will be confined to cage rest for about 6 weeks and he has to be attended to constantly.
His vets bill is around the £2,000 mark, but at least it hasn,t cost him his life.
Thanks for all the kind comments.”
by Bill Lawrenson, Keyworth
Friday, July 23 2010, 10:26PM
“Quite right Steve but the sad thing is that the people who shoot cats with air guns are most likely the same ones who shoot swans or indeed any other form of wild life they can get in their sights. They are not bothered in the least about how much distress they cause. It is not the air guns that are the problem it is the people that misuse them and they are just mindless idiots.”
by Steve, Nottingham
Friday, July 23 2010, 12:26PM
“Who knows or cares what is going through the the mind of some of the people on this thread like Bruce.
Some of the comments mocking Bruce are quite funny though. I had to laugh at Chairman Meow's post. I'd rather be crying with laughter at some wally whose only talent seems to be getting people's backs up than shedding a tear over a someone paralysing a cat.
And I think it is a fair point that it isn't about the right to roam it's about the right not not have your pets shot at.”
by Liz, Nottingham
Friday, July 23 2010, 11:57AM
“Hayley, I do apologise for my careless error. I realised that I misspelled Mr Townshend's name too.”