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A Bradford woman has expressed concerns after het pet cat was shot in the leg by an air rifle
Single mum, Leanne Isaacs, was horrified when she saw her three-year-old cat Coco limp home in pain, with an air rifle pellet lodged in her leg.
Upon taking her to the vet, it was revealed she had a fractured leg, with the only options for the owner being one of two expensive surgeries to either save or amputate the leg, or to have her put down.
After much uncertainty, Coco was fortunately able to undergo the surgery to keep her leg.
Now Ms Isaacs is urging other residents in the area to be cautious and appealed for them to report any crimes against animals.
Speaking on her ordeal, she said: “They've got away with it because there were no witnesses.
"Are they going to do it again? Are they going to target someone else's animal? She's very lucky that it hadn't killed her.”
Police have reassured residents that this appears to be an isolated incident, although animal welfare charity the RSPCA have revealed that such incidents are not entirely uncommon.
Regarding the matter, a charity spokesperson said: “Unfortunately, air rifle attacks are not as rare as we would like. The injuries caused by such attacks are horrific and often fatal.
"We are calling for tighter controls on air weapons. This, along with better education, explanation of the law and requirements that everyone must receive basic safety training could help relieve the problem.”