Key Points
- A cat in Bolton-by-Bowland has suffered serious facial injuries believed to be from an air rifle, requiring multiple surgeries.
- The attack is the latest in a series of similar incidents reported in the area, with at least three cats known to be shot in the past two weeks.
- Police urge anyone with information to come forward, as local communities express concern for pet safety.
- Veterinary staff highlight the difficulty of detecting pellet wounds and urge owners to perform thorough health checks on their pets.
- The financial burden on affected families has been substantial, with some paying thousands of pounds for veterinary care and added security.
- Vets and animal charities are calling for stricter controls or public awareness regarding the ownership and use of air rifles.
- Cat owners report increased stress and ongoing behavioural issues in their pets following the incidents.
- As echoed by multiple news outlets, the attacks are being investigated by local authorities, and awareness campaigns are underway.
In a deeply troubling incident that has sent shockwaves through the community, a cat in Bolton-by-Bowland was left with serious injuries after being shot with an air rifle. Authorities, veterinary professionals, and local residents are now urging vigilance and action to prevent further acts of animal cruelty.
What Happened in Bolton-by-Bowland?
According to Stay In The Know, the incident involved a cat
"seriously injured by what we believe to be an air rifle,"
suffering a major injury to the face and requiring several operations. Reporters documented that the animal is expected to survive, but faces a long recovery process. The seriousness of the injury initially shocked vets and the local community alike.
Who Has Been Affected by Recent Air Rifle Attacks?
As reported by a forum on Purrs in Our Hearts, the most recent shooting is not an isolated case. The same area has experienced a concerning rise in similar incidents.
"A cat is recovering from surgery today after being hit in the leg by a pellet from an airgun—the third cat to be shot in two weeks,"
the forum thread notes, echoing anxiety among local pet owners.
Extending the story regionally, Salford Now journalist details the ordeal of Leigh and Scott, a couple whose three cats were shot in separate incidents. Their cat Candy was found with a wound and, upon veterinary inspection, revealed a pellet dangerously close to her spine. Another cat, Molly, had a similar wound and had also been shot. Their third cat, Martin, required major abdominal surgery for an embedded pellet. The family has spent between £3,000 and £4,000 on veterinary treatment and has invested an additional £2,000 in new fencing for safety.
How Are Veterinary Professionals Responding?
Sinéad, the lead vet and owner of MCR Vets, described the queue of cases involving embedded air rifle pellets as distressingly familiar.
"Pellet guns are not toys and shouldn’t be used to shoot at animals; they do not lead to a quick and humane death,"
Sinéad told Salford Now. She urged pet owners to check their cats thoroughly for small wounds or signs of trauma, emphasising that
"cats are incredibly resilient and may hide pain until seriously unwell."
The clinic has since called for witnesses and cautioned owners across Greater Manchester and Lancashire to be vigilant, underlining the psychological and physical impacts such shootings can have on animals.
What Are the Wider Community and Police Doing?
The police have issued warnings and requested community assistance.
"The injuries have been reported to the police for all three occasions, and anyone with information about the incidents is urged to come forward,"
as Salford Now reports. The Greater Manchester Police and various local authorities have opened investigations and are collecting evidence.
Bolton-by-Bowland community members and animal welfare advocates have taken to social media and local forums, expressing horror and discussing potential preventive measures. Calls have also been made for improved awareness campaigns and possibly tighter controls on the sale and use of air rifles.
What Are Cat Owners Saying About the Attacks?
Leigh, speaking to Salford Now in the wake of her cats’ injuries, said,
“These incidents have changed our life plans, and we will probably be moving in a year or two.”
She also highlighted the lasting impact on her pets, stating,
“We have been warned by our vet that the cats might have psychological damage, and it will affect the way we look after them.”
Leigh offered advice to other pet owners:
“Make sure you keep an eye out for your cats, and do thorough body searches on them. Check all their fur, as these are tiny holes and they might not show any blood but it is important to check.”
She noted the financial and emotional toll, as well as the support given by their veterinary clinic and fence installation company, who reduced prices out of sympathy for the family’s ordeal.
How Have Animal Charities and Welfare Organisations Responded?
While no national charities were directly quoted in the locally-focused coverage, local veterinary staff echoed concerns previously voiced by animal welfare groups: that air rifles in the wrong hands pose a persistent threat to domestic pets and wildlife. Campaigners urge stricter licensing and more thorough public awareness on the responsibilities of air rifle ownership.
What Should Local Residents Do Now?
Authorities and vets advise that anyone witnessing suspicious behaviour or possessing relevant information about such incidents should contact police or their local veterinary clinic. Vets emphasise vigilance and regular health checks for outdoor cats, noting how subtle pellet wounds can be easily missed.
What Is the Outlook for the Injured Cats and Is There Hope for Justice?
In the face of repeated violence, all three cats from Leigh and Scott’s household are now recovering, thanks to fast veterinary action and considerable financial and community support. However, the psychological impacts remain, with advice for ongoing monitoring. Police investigations are underway, and victims and campaigners alike urge the public’s help in bringing the perpetrator(s) to justice.