Cat in 'prime of life' killed with air rifle in 'cruel' attack in Bridge of Allan

A pet owner is “gutted and shocked” after their cat was killed with an air rifle in Stirling in what has been described as a “sickening” attack.

Peko, a seven-year-old ginger cat, wandered into his back garden in the Bridge of Allan on Friday afternoon “dripping with blood” – and was subsequently rushed to the vet.

The cat was taken to a nearby veterinary practice for treatment and x-rays revealed extensive organ damage caused by a pellet from an air rifle.

He was allowed to return home died in the early hours of the morning.

Peko was said to have been in his 'prime of life'. — Peko was said to have been in his ‘prime of life’. Supplied

Peko’s owners, who wish to remain unidentified, said they are “gutted and shocked” and described the nature of Peko’s death as “cruel”.

They told STV News: “We were in kitchen last Thursday, at around 1pm, and Peko was very slowly walking through the garden from the direction of Alexander Drive and Hopetoun.

“On closer look, he was dripping blood from the side of his body.”

“Our vet saw him immediately and he was sedated.

“She discharged him and we took him home, but he was very low ebb and he died in the early hours of Friday morning.

“We’re so gutted and shocked, it all happened so suddenly. Peko was in the prime of his life, and he was such a big character, chatty, independent, and very affectionate.

“It’s such a cruel death.”

Edinburgh & East

Cat dies after being shot with air rifle in ‘sickening’ attack

The cat was found injured in Bridge of Allan at around midday on Friday after being shot with the weapon.

Peko’s owners have praised the police for their help with the matter – and have warned of the dangers that air rifles can possess.

“The police are very supportive and attentive and will liaise with the firearm department to hopefully trace the weapon.

“It’s very cruel, and dangerous to animals and children aswel.”

Police are now investigating the incident and have asked for anyone with any information to come forward.

Inspector Andy Bushell said: “This was a sickening act that caused the death of a family pet and our thoughts are with the cat’s owners.

“Cats are legally protected from cruelty and this offence potentially also breaches the terms of being a licenced weapon holder so it is vital that we find who was responsible.

“We are asking anyone with information that could help us trace the person responsible to come forward.

“We would also like to speak to anyone with information about any other similar incidents in the area.”

Anyone who can help should contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 1815 of Sunday, April 7, 2024.