RSPCA appeal for information after cat shot near Lewes

A much loved pet cat had to have a leg amputated after was it was shot in a village near Lewes.
By The Newsroom
Published 12th Aug 2016, 10:52 BST
Updated 7th Jun 2018, 22:56 BST

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X-rays show where the pellet entered Gizmo's legX-rays show where the pellet entered Gizmo's leg
X-rays show where the pellet entered Gizmo's leg

Gizmo (pictured) appeared back at her home on Shortgate Lane, Laughton, at around 10pm on Sunday (Augist 7), dragging her leg and with a bleeding wound.

Worried, her owner Sarah Bourne took Gizmo straight to the vet who found the cat's leg had been injured by a pellet from a gun.

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Sarah said: “I heard a kerfuffle at the cat flap. I thought at first she’d caught a bird or something, but when I went to look I found she’d dragged herself back from the woods behind the house.

Much-loved pet Gizmo had to have her leg amputated after suffering a gunshot woundMuch-loved pet Gizmo had to have her leg amputated after suffering a gunshot wound
Much-loved pet Gizmo had to have her leg amputated after suffering a gunshot wound

“Initially I presumed she’d been hit by a car. Her leg was flapping around and she wouldn’t let me touch it, as obviously it was causing her absolute agony.”

Inspection by vets showed Gizmo had suffered a severe fracture and Sarah had to make the difficult decision to allow them to amputate her pet’s front left leg.

“My neighbour said he heard shots when he was out in his garden, but that it isn’t necessarily unusual," she added.

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“I’ve made up some flyers and will be putting them up around the village in the hope that somebody comes forward with some information.”

Investigating RSPCA inspector Tony Woodley said: “Cats can roam for a mile or more and this was quite a rural location. However, Gizmo is a black and white domestic cat, so it isn’t plausible that someone could have mistaken her for a fox or even a rabbit.

“It makes me so angry to think that someone would deliberately target a much loved pet like this, but it does appear to be the case here.

“If anyone saw anything which could help me track down who is responsible for shooting Gizmo then I urge them to contact me via the RSPCA’s inspectorate appeals telephone number by calling 0300 123 8018.

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“People should be reminded that causing unnecessary suffering is a criminal offence under the Animal Welfare Act which does carry a potential custodial sentence and fine of up to £20,000.”

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