The SPCA is asking cat owners to consider keeping their furry friends at home, as shootings of pets ‘quite common’. 

Jacinta Halliday took to social media on December 8 to plead for awareness and information on her pet cat being shot. 

“... Just a word of warning for everyone to try keep your cats as safe as possible. 

“Last night at around 7pm our cat came home with an injured shoulder. We have been told by the vets that he was shot. 

“He doesn’t usually go very far so this would have been around the Antimony Crescent area. 

“If anyone knows anything please contact me!”

Jacinta Halliday took to social media to ask for information after her pet cat was shot in Cromwell. Credit: Jacinta Halliday/Facebook.

Jacinta confirmed in a comment the vets had removed bullet “shards” from the cat. 

She also confirmed she has made a complaint to Police.

“I’ve reported this already and gave the details of a potential culprit and seemed as though they were known to police but we also don’t have evidence which makes it so hard.”

Jacinta told The Central App her cat is named Peaky and he’s doing really well, but says there has been a number of incidents reported.

"Luckily the bullet went into one of his front paws but missed bones and organs," she says.

"The vets gave him an X-ray after not knowing what his injury was which is where they then saw the bullet fragments and called to let me know he had been shot.

"They said trying to get them out often leads to more damage so have left them in and he was sent home later that day with some painkillers and I believe antibiotics but not 100% sure there are two different things though.

"After that I called police to report it and they asked about when and where and if I had any information on who it was.

"They will also keep an eye out in the area in case they come across anything out of the ordinary. After my post on Facebook I have heard of three other cats in the area who have also been shot."

SPCA spokesperson says unfortunately, it’s “quite common” to hear of this sort of thing happening. 

They warn shooters that it is against the law to ill-treat any animal.

“It is an offence under the Animal Welfare Act to ill-treat an animal, causing it pain or distress. 

“Anyone caught misusing a firearm could also be at risk of breaching the law.

“We’ve seen quite a few cases recently in the North Island too where pet cats have been shot, which is hugely disappointing and concerning.”

Social media users backed Jacinta, condemned the shooting and called for information. Credit: Jacinta Halliday/Facebook.

The SPCA recommends putting a curfew on cats, or keeping them maintained on your property in some way. 

“If owners are concerned about their cats being harmed, we suggest they consider containing them to their property. 

“There are lots of ways people can do this, while keeping their cat happy and healthy. 

“Keeping your cat contained on your property also reduces the chance of them being harmed or injured in an event such as a traffic accident. 

SPCA has a stay at home cat guide on their website with lots of advice.

The SPCA spokesperson says people should take any injured pet to the vet immediately. 

“The first thing a person should do if they discover their pet has been shot is to take them to a vet for treatment. 

“These incidents can also be reported to SPCA and Police, who may investigate it as a firearms incident.” 

“Injuries can vary depending on a number of factors including the type of animal, the location of the bullet wound, the range at which the firearm was discharged, and the type of firearm used. 

“Costs of treatment would also vary depending on the type of injury and treatment required.”

Information can be anonymously given to Crimestoppers.