Cat shot with air rifle (From Watford Observer)

Cat shot with air rifle in Woodmere Avenue

9:30am Friday 1st March 2013 in News By Adam Binnie, Senior Reporter

A cat has been "seriously injured" by a sniper with an air rifle on the loose in a Watford street.

Police are appealing for witnesses and information after a three-year-old shorthaired black cat was shot in the legs.

The shooting happened on Saturday, February 16 between 9am and 9pm in Woodmere Avenue.

Owner Natalia Parsons said: "I came home to discover my cat in a really bad way.

"I scooped her up in my arms and took her to the vet and after several x-rays and examinations we found she had been shot with a gun. The metal bullet was clear as day.

"I live in the Tudor estate area which is a relatively nice area with elderly and families with children. It is a huge worry to think someone in the area has a gun and shot my cat with it."

PC Andrew Crisp, investigating the incident, said: "Thankfully such incidents are rare in Watford but, understandably, the owner is extremely upset by what has happened.

"I would appeal to anyone who has any information about this incident to contact me."

Anyone with information can telephone PC Crisp on the police non-emergency number 101, quoting crime reference number C4/13/372, or through Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.