Cat hit by air pellets dies after operation

THE owners of a cat who died last night after being shot with an airgun at the weekend said they were “mad with anger” and “heartbroken”.

Alistair and Shona Minty had hoped Willow would make it after the two-and-a-half-year-old cat had to have surgery – but her condition deteriorated and she died before the Macduff family could take her home.

Vets had to amputate a leg earlier in the week and they told the Mintys yesterday that they thought a blood clot had reached her lung.

The black-and-white cat was shot at the Mintys’ home on Paterson Street at about noon on Saturday.

Mrs Minty said last night: “It is so sad. She was supposed to come home tomorrow.

“The vet said she was looking brighter and moving around this morning but called this afternoon to say she was fading fast. She died at about 7.30pm. We were supposed to pick her up tomorrow.

“We are alternating between tears and wishing to do grievous bodily harm to the person who did it. If they knew how much heartbreak they had caused . . .”

She said their dog, Ziggy, the couple’s German shepherd-cross golden labrador, was “pining” for Willow, who was found as a feral kitten in Aberdeen.

“He doesn’t know what to do. He just keeps moaning and grumbling and rushing outside to see if she is out there on the wall.”

Mrs Minty, 53, said: “I am just so mad. I am just so angry that someone can walk around with an airgun in a town like this and not be seen and that someone can do this and not own up.”

Police are investigating and anyone with information should call police on 0845 600 5700 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.