A Fife woman has been left “heartbroken” after her cat was kicked, held down and shot four times with a BB gun.
Sandie Bain’s pet Bella was the victim of a brutal attack in the Page Place area of Methilhill on Sunday.
The feline miraculously survived the incident and returned to the family home “covered in blood” at about 1am on Sunday morning. She was unable to walk and was “dragging her back legs” behind her when she arrived.
Bella was rushed to the vets where Miss Bain was told the animal had been held down and shot.
The cat also suffered a collapsed lung, a cut to her chin and her claws were worn down on her hind legs.
Bella also suffered a badly bruised stomach after apparently being kicked “brutally” and has nerve damage in her legs.
Miss Bain, 29, described her moggy as a “fighter” for clinging on to life after the attack; adding that she was “truly overwhelmed” by the support from the public.
“Bella hadn’t come home which was extremely unlike her, she is always home as soon as I shout on her,” she said.
“We heard a cry at the door. At that point she was covered in blood, dragging her back legs.
“I thought she’d been attacked by a dog. I never thought for one moment she’d been shot. When the vet said ‘I’m really sorry to say she’s been shot’. I couldn’t get my head around what she was saying.
“She was shot at point-blank range. She’s been extremely, extremely lucky. The bullet in her neck missed her oesophagus by millimetres. She would have died.
“It had been extremely close by. Bella doesn’t go far whatsoever. She must’ve been absolutely terrified and traumatised
“She is so friendly. That is what makes it worse. There’s a wee boy on the street and Bella goes down to see him and play with him. He’s drawn a wee picture and dropped off some sweeties.”
Miss Bain is determined to find whoever is responsible for the “sadistic, horrific” attack. Several neighbours say their own cats were targeted in the Methilhill area recently.
She said: “I have reported it to the police and I have told the Scottish SPCA. I am hopeful.”
Bella has returned home and is gradually recovering, but Miss Bain’s beloved pet looks to be a house cat from now on.
She added: “She can still walk, she’s not able to jump. You are not going to let your cat back outside after that happens. She is doing extremely well.”
A Fife Police Division spokeswoman said: “On Sunday, June 2, police in Fife received a report that a cat had been seriously injured after being shot multiple times with a BB gun the previous evening.
“Anyone who may have information about this is urged to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident 1380 of June 2, or report this anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
