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Family pet Alfie shot twice

Lee Sykes
3/10/2007

A FAMILY pet had to drag itself home in agony after being shot twice in a sickening attack in Moorside.

Alfie, a one-year-old tabby, was shot in the neck and shoulder with either an airgun or pellet gun.

Owner Lisa Byram, 26, said: "When Alfie did not come home I went looking for him. He later appeared in the back garden. He was in so much pain he would not let me touch him and cried all night."

Alfie's claws had been worn down by dragging himself home. He was taken to the vets the next day where X-rays confirmed he had been shot twice. The pellet in the shoulder could not be removed.

Lisa added: "I am absolutely appalled that someone could do this to a defenceless little cat. I am too frightened to let him out in case he gets hurt again."

Alfie had a tough start in life - he was dumped in a supermarket car park when only a few days old and Lisa adopted him from the RSPCA.

Lisa's mum Jackie is also appalled by what has happened. She said: "I think it's terrible. He used to be such a playful little cat but now he can't even go out. On top of all the upset the vet's bill cost £240.

"We have been to the police and I hope they catch whoever is responsible, although they told me even if they caught them they would probably only get a warning if it was a first offence. I think that's awful - they could have done this to a child."

• Alfie was targeted on Sunday, September 23. Anyone with information should call police on 0161 872 50 50 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.