North Shields, UK – A cat in North Shields is being hailed as “lucky to be alive” after surviving an air rifle attack that necessitated the amputation of its tail.
Dani Peters, a 26-year-old resident of North Shields, shares her home with her husband, Elliot, and two five-year-old rescue cats, Roy and Ian. Last Friday, Ms. Peters noticed a change in the demeanor of Roy, a black and white tabby, who appeared subdued, and his tail appeared to be non-functional.
A visit to the veterinarian initially led to the assumption that Roy had suffered a fall or had his tail pulled. However, during surgery to remove his tail the following Wednesday, X-rays revealed an airgun pellet lodged in his spine, hidden beneath his dense fur.
Veterinary professionals informed the couple that had the pellet struck one vertebra higher, Roy would have been paralyzed and euthanasia would have been necessary.
Expressing her dismay, Ms. Peters, who runs a vintage furniture restoration business with her husband, said, “I’m just so disgusted, what kind of person would hurt an innocent animal that’s done nothing wrong? He’s so friendly, I don’t get why anyone would do that. It’s made us feel a bit unsafe about the area to be honest.”
She further explained, “The worst thing is he doesn’t travel far from home, he’s either in the front or back garden or walking up and down the street and that’s what’s made us more uneasy. Because he doesn’t go far, that’s what’s made us think it’s happened pretty close to home.”
In response to the incident, the couple is considering building a secure outdoor enclosure, known as a “catio,” to allow Roy and Ian to go outside without exposure to potential dangers. They have also issued a warning to other cat owners to remain vigilant.
“Ian goes out in the afternoon but as soon as it gets to 5 pm, we’re bringing him in,” Ms. Peters advised. “It’s such a tricky one but I’d tell people to keep an eye out constantly and make sure their cats are close to home and that they know where they are.”
Fortunately, Roy’s tail amputation surgery was successful, and he has returned home, albeit exhibiting a more subdued demeanor. Ms. Peters shared, “Since he’s had his tail off, he’s getting there. He’s just taking it in his stride, he’s sleeping a lot now. He’s slower in himself as well and a bit more cautious with where he moves, bless him.”
The shocking incident has deeply affected the couple. Ms. Peters remarked, “It’s shaken us to be honest; we’re still processing what’s happened because they thought he fell, then that someone had pulled his tail, but the worst possible thing you could hear is that your cat got shot. We were just so distraught when we found out that information and it’s just so heartbreaking – but the vet said he’s been quite lucky, and we’re glad he’s alive.”
However, the ordeal has come at a financial cost, with the couple having to spend nearly £1,000 so far on medical bills. They hope to be able to claim the expenses through insurance but mentioned the immediate impact on their cashflow, as they manage both personal and business finances.
Ms. Peters concluded, “Hopefully in two weeks, we’ll get that back, but having to pay that upfront was quite a lot.”
Northumbria Police confirmed their awareness of the incident and are likely to investigate further.
