Pets mutilated and shot in Lonehill

According to the Lonehill Residents’ Association a resident of a complex near the Lonehill Park found his cat dead on the premises. The vet’s autopsy report stated that the cause of death was a pellet from a pellet gun which was lodged in the cat’s abdomen. The residents’ association posted on their Facebook page that a group of teenagers had been spotted at the Lonehill dam carrying a pellet gun a few days before the cat died.

However, cats are not the only animals that have been targeted with pellet guns in Lonehill. Lisa de Kock, who feeds the animals at the Lonehill Fire Station, said a number of rabbits had been shot with pellet guns over the past few weeks.

Recently, a black rabbit named Abby was shot with a pellet gun. De Kock said since the pellet lodges itself inside the animal and cannot be detected without an X-ray, Abby’s wound became infected and eventually she had to be euthanised to save her from more suffering.

Even more alarmingly, De Kock said that six weeks ago, a litter of baby rabbits was found at the fire station, mutilated. She said their front paws had been hacked off and they had been decapitated.

“To find bunnies mutilated in Lonehill is disgusting,” De Kock said.

“We are desperately trying to find out who is mutilating and shooting the rabbits with pellet guns.”

Christine Kuch of NSPCA, said although pellet guns do not need to be licensed, it does not justify their misuse, and using them against a living creature can land a person in as much trouble as if a real firearm had been discharged.

According to her, after a case in KwaZulu-Natal where a 19-year-old boy is being charged with attempted murder after hitting three girls with pellets fired from his air rifle, the laws on the use of pellet guns have become more stringent. In terms of the law, there is now no difference between discharging a pellet gun and real firearm in suburban areas.

“If you witness or know of anyone using a pellet gun on an animal or bird, report it,” Kuch said.

“Advise your nearest SPCA as quickly as you can. Charges can then be laid in terms of the Animal Protection Act, as well as charging the person with discharging a pellet gun in an urban area.”

The residents’ association has placed the area’s security company on high alert since the recent cases of animal cruelty were discovered.

De Kock made a plea to the public for help with the medical bills for the rabbits shot with pellet guns.

Details: 073 219 6338, lisa.ann.3007@gmail.com

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