By Paul Dunlop
A SECOND family pet has been shot in Pakenham’s Heritage Springs in what residents fear is becoming a dangerous school holiday game.
The cat went missing from its family’s home last Saturday, returning two days later in a pained and distressed state.
The injured animal was taken to the vet where fragments of a bullet, believed to be from either a .22 rifle or an air rifle, were removed from a single wound near the cat’s shoulder.
In January, another family’s pet was put down after also being shot in the shoulder.
The incidents have prompted residents to express concern that someone is using a firearm in the otherwise peaceful estate.
Residents say both incidents happened during school holidays, raising the prospect that it may have been children or teenagers who fired at the cats.
Pakenham police are investigating the shootings.
Police shared residents’ concerns that more than just pets could have been at risk.
Dr Debbie Reynolds of Cardinia Veterinary Clinic said it was rare to see domestic cats or other pets injured in such a way.
She said it was fortunate the cat was saved and warned it could have been much worse.
“For people living in that area it is a concern,” Dr Reynolds said.
“It’s not good to have somebody firing potshots at anything in residential areas putting animals and potentially people at risk as well.”
Dr Reynolds said it appeared the cat would recover from its ordeal.
She said it was lucky the wounded pet’s owners had been able to get it to the vet in time.
“An animal injured in that way could suffer a slow and painful death if not found. It hadn’t had water or food for that period it was missing.”
The owner of the cat did not wish to be named but said the experience had been traumatic.
“I just hope they catch the low life who did this. If you hate cats, fair enough, but they don’t deserve that. What if they had hit a child?
“There are a lot of young families in this area. It’s a scary, scary thing.”
Anybody with any information is urged to contact Pakenham police on 5941 1033.
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