Cat shot with air rifle in Littleborough

Diego after his operation

The owners of a cat that was shot by an air rifle in Littleborough are warning people to be on the look out after their cat was brutally attacked.

Diego, who belongs to Gareth Price and his wife, was shot on Monday (15 September) afternoon between 1pm and 3pm.

Gareth said: “He doesn’t stray far so we think it happened somewhere between Victoria Street, Brown Street and the Regent Street area.”

After the incident, Diego was left with a gun shot wound to his leg and was taken to the vets for treatment. Diego underwent surgery to have the pellet removed from his leg.

“Luckily he is ok now and is back home getting better but we just want people to be aware that this happened,” said Gareth.

Some residents are pointing the finger at a group of youths in the area.

Gareth added: “Obviously it is all hear say until something is proven but a few people have said there were some kids with a gun in the skate park on that day.”

Gareth’s wife has also been in contact with the police and the RSPCA regarding what happened.

“My wife spoke to the police and the RSPCA today and the police have said they will follow it up,” said Gareth.

Gareth is now asking residents in the area to keep an eye out for anyone with a gun and if they see anything, to report it to the police.

He said: “People just need to keep an eye out for things and if they see anyone with a gun then to report it to the police. Usually when you see someone walking around with a gun you would report it to the police anyway but these things shouldn’t be happening.”