Police are investigating four reports of pet cats being shot in Altona North.
As reported by Star Weekly last week, one cat was put down and another had its leg shattered in two separate shooting incidents.
Vet X-rays showed both cats were shot with what appeared to be a BB gun. The first cat was euthanased after being shot twice in the abdomen on September 7.
The second cat had his right femur blown apart after being shot twice on September 8.
The cat, renamed Mr BB, underwent surgery at a Point Cook veterinary clinic to save his leg, and still has one pellet lodged in it that may be required to be extracted for evidence.
Veterinary surgeon Nadia Wong said Mr BB was “in pretty bad shape but … he’s stable and the surgery was successful. He’s using his leg.”
A Victoria Police spokeswoman last week confirmed two more reports of cats being shot and killed during the past fortnight.
“It is believed the incidents occurred in the past week, resulting in three cats being killed and one suffering injuries.”
Police say the perpetrator could face multiple charges apart from those related to aggravated cruelty.
RSPCA Victoria acting senior inspector Lisa Calleja said a joint investigation was under way due to the use of a firearm.
“We currently have one case under investigation, which is a joint investigation with Victoria Police – the lead agency. We are unable to discuss the details.
“If anyone has confirmed information of an incident of cruelty, we encourage them to make a report, either to RSPCA Victoria at www.rspca.org or by calling 9224 2222, or by contacting Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.”
