A family have been left 'devastated' after their pet cat suffered life-threatening injuries after being shot with an air rifle. Marley, a rescue cat aged 10, had left his home in Dodwell Lane, Hedge End, at around 11am on Tuesday. But an hour later, he was found by his owners "slumped" on steps near the house, struggling to get back up.
He was rushed to the vets where he underwent emergency surgery, and an air rifle pellet was removed. Now his family have been left having to foot most of the £3,000 vet bill and are scared to let their other cat out of the house for fear of it happening again. Owner, Helen Fox lives with her husband and children at the house, near Bursledon Road.
The 57-year-old yoga teacher said she just wants to stop this from happening to any other animal. "I just want to burst into tears. I’ve been up all night, I haven’t slept because they didn’t know he was going to get through the night.
"It’s just the most beautiful pet. What was going through this crazy mind? "We’re obviously just beside ourselves. It’s not monetary at all also but this is going to cost us thousands of pounds.
"You’re living just with your cat and the next minute they’re nearly dying and we’ve got huge bills. We’re devastated." The pellet that was removed after Marley was shot with an air rifle (Image: Helen Fox) The family have reported the incident to the police but are yet to hear back.
Helen has also posted on the Nextdoor App in an effort to bring attention t.