The shooting of a cat in Crowborough has sparked a flood of disbelief, anger and support from residents.
The cat’s owners in Fermor Way took to social media to appeal for information and also to warn other pet owners about the danger. Fortunately the cat has survived but its owners now face a hefty vets bill.
The post by the owner prompted dozens of well wishers to comment but also to express anger that anyone could do such a thing.
Crowborough News has made an appeal for information and urged neighbours to contact Sussex Police on 101.
The cat owner wrote: “Yesterday (6 August), our beautiful cat Gigi suddenly became unable to stand on her leg and was clearly in an enormous amount of pain. We rushed her to the vets, initially fearing that she may have been hit by a car.
“After an emergency X-ray, we received the devastating news that nobody ever expects to hear — Gigi had been shot with an air gun.
“The pellet has shattered her elbow and caused a horrific injury. She now needs look specialist surgery at a pet hospital, and we are waiting for the surgeon to assess her X-rays and determine the best way forward.
“I honestly cannot understand what kind of person would deliberately shoot an innocent, defenceless animal. Gigi is a much-loved family pet. She has done absolutely nothing to deserve this.
“She is now frightened, in pain and facing a serious operation — all because someone chose to shoot her. We have also been told that her treatment and surgery could cost at least £6,000, which is an enormous and unexpected expense on top of the heartbreak of seeing her suffer.
“Gigi lives around Fermor Way, so if you live nearby, please think back to yesterday and whether you saw or heard anything unusual. If you have seen or heard anything suspicious, or know anything about what happened to Gigi, please speak up. Someone must know something.
“Please also keep a close eye on your own cats and pets. We never imagined that something like this could happen to Gigi, and the thought that someone is willing to walk around with an air gun and shoot an innocent animal is incredibly worrying.
The Facebook post led to dozens of heartfelt responses. Here are some of them:
“This is shattering, I am so so sorry for you, your family and most of all Gigi. I cannot fathom human kind I really can’t.”
“I cannot imagine what sort of a person would carry out such an act.”
“I only hope and pray that anyone on this site who knows anything does the right thing speaks out.”