Two cats from same home shot in attacks
Two cats from the same house were shot with air rifles – five months apart.
Now an investigation has been launched into the attacks on the black and white cats in the Northway area – near to Wolverhampton Road, Sedgley.
One of the cats was shot in July, while the most recent incident, involving the other cat, happened on December 20.
Sophie Wilkinson, a spokeswoman for RSPCA, said the cat involved in the July 26 incident had fully recovered, but the pet involved in the latest shooting was still suffering complications from a lameness in its hind legs.
She could not say whether there had been a spate of shootings in that area because not all incidents were reported.
She added: "We never really know with shootings. Quite often they can be wild animals where they are never found so you can never be entirely sure.
"We always say the ones we receive are the tip of the iceberg because there could be many more out there that never get reported.
"With the first cat, the pellet was removed from its neck and it has fully recovered, but the second pellet was removed from close to the spine."
RSPCA inspector Vicki Taylor said: "The cats' owners are understandably very worried about their pets' safety, both of them being deliberately shot within months of each other.
"Neither cat strayed far from home so it is thought the person responsible for the attacks must be close by.
"Sadly, air weapon attacks are all too common and we desperately need anyone with information about these incidents to come forward so we can find who is responsible and stop them from happening."
Those with information should contact the RSPCA inspector information line on 0300 123 8018. Calls are treated in confidence.
The RSPCA received more than 900 calls about animals shot by air weapons in 2014, with 48 of those in the West Midlands.
The RSPCA is a charity that relies on public donations to exist.
To help the charity investigate incidents like the shootings, text HELP to 78866 to give £3. Texts cost £3 plus one standard network rate message.
Anyone found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal could face six months in prison and a £20,000 fine.
