A family in Leigh is grappling with the loss of their beloved cat, Bertie, after a brutal attack left him paralyzed and ultimately led to his euthanasia. Paula Cooper, 41, and her daughter Grace Beard, 17, faced the devastating decision when Bertie, missing for five days, returned home unable to walk, having been shot multiple times with a BB gun.
The incident occurred in Kent Avenue, where Bertie staggered back to his home on Friday, displaying severe signs of distress including paralysis from the waist down. Upon consulting with veterinarians, the family learned the harsh reality that Bertie’s injuries were consistent with being shot by a BB gun, and due to the intense pain he was experiencing, euthanasia was recommended.
The loss is profoundly felt by the family, as Bertie was not only a cherished pet but also a living memory of Grace’s late grandmother. “They’ve not only killed our beloved Bertie, but they have also hurt a child’s memory of her nan,” Paula stated, expressing her grief over the senseless act. “He was so healthy, he would have lived a long life.”
The emotional toll was evident as Grace recounted the initial confusion and shock upon seeing Bertie’s condition when he returned home. “It was so scary when we saw him again on Friday,” she said. “We didn’t understand what was wrong with him, and he was so hungry and thirsty too.”
Grace described Bertie as an integral part of their small family, which includes two dogs that are deeply cherished. “Losing him feels like losing a brother,” she shared, reflecting on the profound bond between her pets and her family.
In the wake of this tragedy, both Paula and Grace are calling for justice and urging the perpetrator or anyone with information to come forward. They hope that raising awareness about this cruel act will lead to accountability and prevent such heartache from befalling another family.
Local authorities are urged to investigate the incident thoroughly, and the family is seeking the community’s help in gathering information that may lead to identifying those responsible for Bertie’s suffering and death.
