Staff at Vets4Pets Rochdale appear on North West Tonight to raise awareness of air gun attacks on cats

Vets4Pets staff Amy, Alex, Sonia and Ruth with BBC crews

Staff at Vets4Pets Rochdale appeared on BBC North West Tonight on Tuesday (29 August) to raise awareness after a spate of air gun attacks on cats in the borough.

Practice owner Amy Day appeared on screen detailing the story of Macy, an adorable black-and-white rescue cat from Newhey who lost her eye shortly after she was shot just weeks she was adopted. She explained how an attack can cost hundreds of pounds for an operation like Macy’s. Luckily, her owners were covered by insurance.

Speaking about the experience, she said: “Everyone was really friendly and we will try any way we can to highlight the issues. It is good to raise awareness, but it is not good that more people have come forward because of more attacks. It is a worry, but hopefully more will sign the petition and look for similar injuries in their pets.

“With Macy, it also highlighted how important microchipping is as her owner was out at the time. It allowed us to contact them and let them know, and insurance can be very helpful as a complicated operation like that with aftercare can be very expensive.”

Amy added: “Hopefully it will stop these attacks if they know people are watching and are aware after the media exposure.”

Receptionist Amanda Stephens, also appeared on the segment with her loveable cat Casper, who was shot near their home in Heywood three months ago. Since then, Mandy has been campaigning for the public to back the Cats Protection campaign to change the law on air guns.

She said: “It was nerve-wracking, but an exciting day for all of us. It’s great awareness of the campaign, which I’m so passionate about.”

Shockingly, the BBC warn that since Rochdale Online covered Casper and Macy’s stories in July, at least six cats have been injured in similar attacks in the last month.

https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/111604/cat-lovers-urged-to-back-air-rifle-campaign-after-two-attacks-in-rochdale

Deliberately injuring an animal with an air rifle carries the threat of at least six months in prison and/or a fine of up to £20,000.

Cats Protection says a lack of UK-wide regulation means 90% of air gun attacks on cats happens in England and Wales, with a reported 202 cats in the UK shot with an air gun in 2016.

In 2004, Northern Ireland led the way in restricting gun ownership with anyone who buys, owns or uses an air weapon there now required to have a licence. During this time, Northern Ireland has experienced the lowest incidence of shootings reported in the media compared to other parts of the UK, suggesting the licensing legislation is working.

Scotland adopted similar legislation earlier in 2017.

To sign the petition, visit:

www.cats.org.uk/airgunspetition