Cat Loses Leg After Shocking Air Gun Attack in Welsh Village

A beloved family cat has been left with three legs after being shot with an air gun in a small Welsh community. 😿

Dudley was seen healthy at 7am on 17 February, but just hours later CCTV footage captured him injured as he returned to his home in Ystalyfera, Glantwrch in the Swansea Valley.

A concerned neighbour spotted the cat limping and alerted his owners, Ceris Williams and Tom Tyson, who rushed him to veterinary care.

X-rays revealed a pellet had shattered Dudley’s hip and become lodged between muscles in his back left leg, leaving vets no choice but to amputate the limb.

RSPCA Cymru has launched an appeal for information following the incident.

RSPCA Deputy Chief Inspector (DCI) Gemma Cooper said: “It’s understandably been very distressing for Dudley’s owners to learn that their cat has been shot. Thankfully he has survived and is recovering from his ordeal – but not without considerable pain and losing a leg. It is always very distressing to think that people may be taking pleasure in causing such horrific injuries to defenceless animals.”

The RSPCA is urging anyone with information about the incident, which occurred between 7am and 11am in the Ystalyfera area, to contact their inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018, quoting reference 01452378.

“We think Dudley came from the direction of the school fields – but as we know cats can roam quite far, so we don’t know exactly where this attack could have taken place,” added DCI Cooper.

Dudley’s owner, Ceris, expressed her shock: “I just don’t get it – I have never heard of anything like this happening in our area before.”

While Dudley is adapting to life on three legs, Ceris noted he has lost his confidence. “He is such an active, fit cat who loves to jump – so he has really lost his confidence. We hope showing what Dudley has been through stops this from happening again.”

Ceris also extended heartfelt thanks to the veterinary team at Afon Veterinary Centre: “Their compassion and willingness to help in such a stressful moment means more than words can fully convey. Dudley is not just a pet but a beloved member of my family, and knowing there are people like the team at Afon so selfless and caring restore my faith in the goodness of others.”

The RSPCA receives nearly 1,000 calls annually regarding air gun attacks on animals, with injuries often proving fatal. The organisation continues to advocate for stricter controls on air weapons, including mandatory safety training for purchasers.