Staff members at a Shropshire animal rescue center expressed shock and disbelief upon discovering that one of their feline residents had been shot with a rifle. The incident involved Mr Star, a ginger cat from Severn Valley Rescue located in Billingsley near Bridgnorth. Mr Star went missing on Saturday and returned on Monday with a severe limp and a large, infected wound, prompting immediate medical attention including sedation, antibiotics, pain relief, and X-rays.
In a Facebook post, the center revealed that a bullet from an actual rifle, not an air rifle, was found in Mr Star’s injured leg, highlighting the severity of the situation. Despite critically low blood levels and significant blood loss, Mr Star miraculously survived, leaving the veterinary staff astonished.
A fundraiser on GoFundMe has been initiated by Amanda Ball, one of the rescue center’s founders, to cover the extensive treatment costs for Mr Star, which are expected to be substantial. Currently, Mr Star is undergoing treatment to stabilize his condition before undergoing a front leg amputation later this week. The fundraiser has already raised over £500, nearing a fifth of its £2,500 target.
Severn Valley Rescue emphasized the importance of cooperation and urged anyone with information, especially regarding potential shooting activities near Billingsley on July 17 or 18, to come forward. The center remains vigilant, reviewing CCTV footage and engaging with local residents, while also collaborating with law enforcement to ensure that all evidence is preserved.
Established in 2008 as Shropshire Donkey Rescue, Severn Valley Rescue is a registered charity dedicated to caring for over 200 animals, including those with disabilities. Notably, their first rescue, One Eyed Jack the donkey, set the precedent for their compassionate work, which has since extended to animals with various disabilities such as a deaf pig, three-legged cats, a one-eyed alpaca, and a blind donkey.