Cat shot in head with air rifle in shocking attack near Welshpool

RSPCA Cymru is warning pet owners in Welshpool to be vigilant Toffee was found with a nasty head wound.

He did not return to his home in Cyfronydd on Friday, May 27, but when he did make it back on May 29, he arrived with a nasty head wound caused by the pellet of an air rifle that was found in his head.

RSPCA deputy chief inspector Phil Lewis said: “This air gun attack is very concerning and our thoughts go out to Toffee and his owner following this incident.

“The blood found on Toffee’s head was dry, so it is thought that the incident may have happened on May 27 or, at the latest, May 28.

“Luckily the pellet was removed and Toffee is doing okay, with the wounds healing well. He went to the vets for a check up and luckily no further treatment was needed.

Toffee the cat

“But looking at where he was shot, he is lucky to be alive.”

RSPCA Cymru is now calling on the local community to get in touch if they have any knowledge as to how the cat was shot or by whom.

The animal welfare charity is also recommending that other cat owners in the area be vigilant.

Mr Lewis added: “Cats and wildlife are normally the animals that are more susceptible to these incidents simply because they are out in the open with no one to protect them.

The air rifle pellet found in Toffee's head.

“Unfortunately, air rifle attacks are not as rare as we would like. The injuries caused by such attacks are horrific and often fatal.

“These weapons cause horrific pain and suffering. Anyone caught deliberately using an air gun to injure an animal can be up to six months in prison and/or a £20,000 fine if found guilty under the Animal Welfare Act.

“We’re urging anyone with information to contact our inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018.”