Cat-owners’ fears after pet is shot

Alfie - happy at home before he was shot

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A DISTRAUGHT couple have faced a £1,500 bill after their daughters’ cat was shot with an air rifle.

The pellet lodged in the animal’s leg - and Charlotte and Steven Miller had to ask family members for financial help to pay the bill for an emergency operation. Alfie, owned by their daughters Chloe and Keely, had been injured in Delph.

Charlotte said: “He was shot by an air rifle last Thursday or Friday. The impact broke his leg and he had to have emergency treatment.”

The vet’s alternative was to amputate Alfie’s injured leg - which would have saved them £600. The Millers declined because there was a good hance of saving the leg.

“The operation was a success and Alfie now has a metal plate in the injured leg. He will be recovering for up to two months.

Charlotte said: “We have had to borrow from family members to raise the money.”

They told the RSPCA and police. Charlotte added: “We want to offer a reward for anyone who can provide information leading us to the person responsible for this vile act of animal cruelty.

“Our cat Alfie is a very friendly and loveable ginger tom and it is unbearable to think that another human being could be so cruel. Luckily Alfie’s operation was a success and he is now in recovery.

The couple spoke out to make other cat owners in the area aware of Alfie’s plight. They believe the shooting happened in the Delph Lane area

Anyone with information about the incident can contact Charlotte on 07940-924491.