Cat needs reconstructive surgery after being fired at with steel pellet in Poole

A cat in Poole has been badly injured after being hit by a steel ball bearing, that could have been fired from some kind of catapult.

Freddie has needed reconstructive facial surgery after the attack in Upton on Monday 15 March and his owners, who live in Watery Lane, say they're worried it was deliberate and whoever did it could hurt other pets.

Dorset Police have are appealing for anyone with information to come forward. They said:

At around 10.15pm on Monday 15 March 2021 the occupants of a home in Watery Lane heard their cat Freddie returning home and came downstairs to discover he had sustained severe facial injuries and with a steel ball bearing embedded in the centre of his face.

They took him to the vet and they were told it was most likely that the ball bearing had been fired from a catapult or similar item.

Freddie had to have surgery to remove the ball bearing and required reconstructive facial surgery as a result of the injuries he suffered.

His owners are still not sure that he will make a full recovery.

Sergeant Fern Graham, of Poole police, said:

“This has been very upsetting for Freddie’s owners to see their pet suffer such nasty injuries as a result of what was believed to have been a deliberate attack.

“We are carrying out enquiries into this matter and I would appeal to anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity in the area of Watery Lane on the evening of Monday 15 March 2021, or has any other information that might assist our enquiries, to please contact us.”

Freddie’s owners said:

“We feel it is very important that cats are allowed outside for their own well-being and have always allowed our beloved pet to roam free. This incident has really shocked us and left us questioning whether we would be happy for our pet to continue to be let outside.

“We want to raise awareness to other local residents as this could happen again and we wouldn’t wish the pain this has brought us on anyone. Not only has this caused us immeasurable sadness, but it is likely to cost thousands of pounds in veterinary bills.

“If you hear or see anything unusual please report it, we’re sure the perpetrator will do this again and we want to avoid anyone else going through such a traumatic experience that will continue to haunt us.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk**, via email** 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55210041658.

Alternatively, to stay 100 per cent anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call Freephone 0800 555 111.