21 October 2013

The RSPCA is appalled that an 18-month old female cat, Stella, has had its leg amputated after being shot with what appears to be a small-calibre rifle, somewhere in the vicinity of Leichardt Road in Broome.

Kitten loses leg after being shotThe owner of the cat came home to find Stella limping with an entry wound on her leg covered in dried blood on Thursday.

The cat was rushed to a local veterinary hospital, but due to the severity of the injuries, the leg had to be amputated. Stella the cat is currently recovering well.

“The RSPCA is disgusted to see defenseless animals being deliberately killed or injured with weapons,” RSPCA CEO David van Ooran said.

“This is just one of many incidents the RSPCA is investigating. This year we have seen a horse shot with a shotgun, dogs, ducks, pelicans and cats shot with arrows and now this.

“It is timely to remind those people who think that it is acceptable to shoot animals that there are significant penalties for animal cruelty in Western Australia.

“Penalties for this kind of offence can range from a $2000 minimum fine up to a $50,000 fine and five years’ imprisonment under the Animal Welfare Act,” he said.

The RSPCA is investigating the incident and is calling on anyone with any information to contact us, anonymously, on 9209 9300.