Serial cat attacker on the loose

One cat has died and others have been seriously injured after being shot with an air rifle.

Police say the first incident was reported to them on March 22 when a cat had to be put down after it was shot with an air rifle between 7pm-7.30pm in Hilliard Views in Cranleigh.

A further two incidents were reported the following day in Hilliards View and Fir Tree Road in Guildford.

The most recent was reported to police on Saturday April 2 but police say it is believed to have occurred the previous day. A cat was seriously injured after it was shot outside its owner’s front door in Hilliards View, Cranleigh.

Now the animal charity PETA is warning that the attacker could be a threat to the whole community.

It is offering a reward of up to £2,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the people responsible.

A spokesperson said: “According to reports, at least six cats have been found in the past couple of weeks with an array of horrific injuries, including Coco, who, fortunately, survived but had to have her eye removed, and Ruby, who was shot in the spine and later had to be put down.”

And PETA associate director Elisa Allen said: “It’s imperative that any community faced with sadistic and violent acts like this take measures to find the culprits and bring them to justice.

“Animal abusers are a danger to everyone: they take their issues out on whoever is available to them – human or non-human – and must be caught before they act again.”

PETA urges everyone always to keep their cats indoors and to report any suspected cases of cruelty to animals to authorities.

A police spokesman said: “If you have witnessed any suspicious activity in the community or have any information regarding these incidents please call 101 quoting, 45160023336.”

For more information about helping animals, visit PETA.org.uk.