A FAMILY has been left devastated after their pet cat was killed in a crossbow attack in Redditch.
‘Stewie’ was found dead in the family’s back garden in Brockhill on Saturday morning, June 15 with a crossbow bolt lodged in his neck.
They believe the 19-month-old had been deliberately shot and killed.
RSPCA Inspector Jon Ratcliffe – who is now investigating – said: “Stewie’s owners are understandably devastated not only to have lost their beloved pet cat at such a young age – but also in such tragic circumstances.
“Not only is this is extremely upsetting for them but they also had the distress of finding his body themselves.
“Stewie had a crossbow bolt lodged in his neck. What’s not clear is whether he was shot while walking along the garden fence before falling into the garden – or whether his body had been thrown over the fence for them to find.
“It would appear that this was a deliberate and targeted attack on Stewie and is extremely concerning to the RSPCA.”
Stewie’s body was taken for a post mortem and the RSPCA has launched an investigation into the incident in Appletree Lane.
The incident has also been reported to police.
Jon added: “This is a very upsetting incident and I’m keen to hear from anyone in the local area who might have information about who is responsible for Stewie’s death.
“I’d also like to remind the public that it is an offence to cause unnecessary suffering to any animal and anyone prosecuted could face up to six months in prison and/or an unlimited fine.”
To help the RSPCA continue investigating animal cruelty please donate by visiting www.rspca.org.uk/give.
