Cat shot dead with pellet gun (From Your Local Guardian)

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Cat shot dead with pellet gun

8:35am Friday 27th June 2008

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By Samantha Cairns »

A Wallington family has been left heartbroken from the loss of their pet cat, which died after being shot at five times by a ball-bearing (BB) gun.

Ruth Parkinson said the family - including daughters Elisha, 13, and Lydia, 11 - noticed Tinkerbell acting strangely last Friday night.

"When I found out she was dead, I felt completely numb because I had lost my best friend."
Elisha Parkinson

She said: "We found her under Lydia's bed, where she had been sick and relieved herself.

"I thought oh no, she's eaten something horrible' but then I realised she hadn't even cleaned herself, which was odd."

She said concern turned to panic when she began washing Tinkerbell.

"She had a low temperature and she couldn't move her back legs, and then her tongue was hanging out of her mouth and her eyes were all shiny," Mrs Parkinson said.

She rushed Tinkerbell to the local vet, where she was kept in for observation overnight on a supply of fluids and pain killers.

"A couple of hours after we left, the vet called to say they had found out she had been shot five times. The x-rays showed pellets lodged in her back," Mrs Parkinson said.

Tinkerbell did not make it through the night.

Mrs Parkinson said: "It was awful when the vet rang me. I felt so angry. What happened to her was so needless and cruel.

"Then I had to go to both daughters' rooms, one after another, and tell them that Tinkerbell was dead."

She said Elisha and Lydia both insisted on going to the vet to say goodbye to Tinkerbell, an emotional experience.

"They're completely distraught and there have been tears all weekend," Mrs Parkinson said.

Elisha said: "Going into a room and hugging my cat, who was stiff and cold, was horrible."

She said she wanted the person who was responsible to come forward.

"When I found out she was dead, I felt completely numb because I had lost my best friend. I don't want it to happen to anyone else," Elisha said.

Her mother added: "Tinkerbell was a family member, a lovely tabby who was really gentle.

"But she was murdered and whoever did it needs to be charged.

"What would have happened if they had fired accidentally at a child?"

The incident prompted Sutton police spokesman Colin Walden to warn residents about the dangers of carrying imitation firearms in public.

"There is a real danger that someone could be shot by the police because it is very difficult to tell the difference between real and imitation firearms," he said.

Officers - who have knocked on doors in the local area - currently have no leads on the case.

To report any information, please telephone 020 8649 0451, quoting reference number 4007319/08.

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C, SW London says...
9:22am Fri 27 Jun 08

This is an awful story. I hope the Parkinson family can get back to normal soon, perhaps rescue a cat in need.

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Kat, Purley says...
9:35am Fri 27 Jun 08

What kind of cruel horrible person would do such a thing? All I can say is what goes around comes around and lets just hope that who ever did this never has a pet that they love and cherish. I feel very sorry for you and your daughters its such a awful thing for you to have to go through. Something bad will happen to the person responsible if not now then later on in their lives.

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Jo, Hackbridge says...
10:23am Fri 27 Jun 08

I have tears in my eyes reading this, how can anybody be so so cruel a cat can hurt noboby, being a cat lover it makes me feel sick that somebody can do this, my heart goes out to the poor family

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Big Ron, Croydon says...
10:49am Fri 27 Jun 08

Jo wrote:
I have tears in my eyes reading this, how can anybody be so so cruel a cat can hurt noboby, being a cat lover it makes me feel sick that somebody can do this, my heart goes out to the poor family

Oh, come on, for goodness sakes, get a grip, Jo. Yes its sad and unfortunate, but its a cat. Just a cat. Read some of the other stories on this site and you'll see some people have had their children die. I think that puts things back in context a little, don't you think?

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rg, surrey, Surrey says...
10:55am Fri 27 Jun 08

Big Ron, have some compassion, some of us value their animals as part of the family, no its not a child, but next time it could be.... lets hope not. Still, animal lovers everywhere have the right to show their compassion for the family, even if it is "just a cat"...

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Jo, Hackbrige says...
11:12am Fri 27 Jun 08

so 'big ron' it's ok & acceptable to just kill a cat? you obviously don't care so don't bother to comment

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C, SW London says...
11:30am Fri 27 Jun 08

Come on Ron, you might be big but where is your big heart?

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sarah, Wallington says...
11:31am Fri 27 Jun 08

I am shocked and disgusted of some behaviour of kids today, not all turn out to be sadistic animal killers. Working with wild animals I saw many shot wounds in swans and hedgehogs used as footballs! What is this world coming to? I saw a stall in Sutton selling BB Guns. These should be taken off the street and banned. Whoever did this awful act and left this family without their precious and beloved family cat should be named and ashamed, but as per norm, they are just cowards who don't care about other people and who they may hurt. Whoever did this is a scared, lonely, sad individual who has nothing better to do than play with BB guns. Be an adult and admit who you were and apologise.

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suttonpeopledotcom, Sutton says...
1:09pm Fri 27 Jun 08

I agree with Sarah, BB guns should be banned.

I wonder what other animal cruelty big ron condones?

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Jason Baskaran, 584-827 says...
1:11pm Fri 27 Jun 08

Poor, poor family, and poor cat. Sad state of affairs in this country when people feel the need to kill someone's defenceless little pet.

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Lou, wallington says...
1:41pm Fri 27 Jun 08

What a disgrace to human nature - I am so sorry for your loss. As for Big Ron saying get a grip etc, obviously people would also be upset if it was a child but thats not what we are talking about. Maybe Jo had tears in her eyes not only for the cat but for the state of the human race. I hope these people rot, and if I saw them do it I'd serve time for it because I'd probably kill them the nasty scumbags

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Jo, Hackbridge says...
2:05pm Fri 27 Jun 08

The tears came when I read how the poor cat suffered, my boyfriends cat was also killed by someone tying a carrier bag round it's neck, so I do feel for the family I know what they are going through, a pet is part of the family & loved as much as any child would be

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helen, morden says...
5:14pm Fri 27 Jun 08

Big Ron wrote:

Jo wrote: I have tears in my eyes reading this, how can anybody be so so cruel a cat can hurt noboby, being a cat lover it makes me feel sick that somebody can do this, my heart goes out to the poor family
Oh, come on, for goodness sakes, get a grip, Jo. Yes its sad and unfortunate, but its a cat. Just a cat. Read some of the other stories on this site and you'll see some people have had their children die. I think that puts things back in context a little, don't you think?

BIG RON OF CROYDON
"YOU ARE A MUPPET"

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Big Ron, Croydon says...
5:50pm Fri 27 Jun 08

Guys, look, I do have a heart, and I really do sympathise with the kids who had to watch their cat suffer because of the actions of some mindless scum.

But my point was directed at Jo and her supposedly profound tears and sadness. It was just a little OTT to be honest. Especially when compared to the loss a parent suffers when they lose a child, of which there are several stories on this site detailing such. They are the real heart wrenching stories.
And to respond to your last point Jo, no, it is most certainly not acceptable to harm animals. At no point in my original reply did I infer this. You are simply being over-emotional.

Helen, thank you for your constructive comment. I would be 'Animal', the one who played the drums at the start of that programme. Which one would you have been...... Miss Piggy?

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Jo, Hackbridge says...
9:22pm Fri 27 Jun 08

big ron, how dare you insult my feelings & caring nature,this story is not about a child don't change the subject, yes I am emotional, what is wrong with that? some people do care about defenseless animals, unlike you!!! with your ignorant attitude no wonder this sort of appalling thing happens!

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Amanda, Morden says...
10:46pm Fri 27 Jun 08

My cat was also injured with an airgun and he still has the pellet in his thigh. He was lucky but it's digusting to think that it's one of my neighhbours that did it. As for immature Big Ron...just ignore him, some people only respond to these stories for attention and to wind people up.

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Jo, Hackbridge says...
11:14pm Fri 27 Jun 08

thank you Amanda, somebody on my level! sorry to hear about your poor **** cat & glad he came through & is ok & yes I will ignore any further insensitive comments!

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Jo, Hackbridge says...
11:19pm Fri 27 Jun 08

there was no swear word on the above comment! just so you know Amanda! a perfectly innocent word has been blanked out!!!

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Big Ron, Croydon says...
11:24pm Fri 27 Jun 08

Jo wrote:
thank you Amanda, somebody on my level! sorry to hear about your poor **** cat & glad he came through & is ok & yes I will ignore any further insensitive comments!

Look Jo, no need to use foul language about amanda's cat now, is there!

As I said but you choose to ignore, NO animal deserves to suffer like that.
But people like you blow things out of all proportion by blubbing over a cat that you don't know and doesn't even belong to you.
Upsetting for the owners, yes, but some readers just over do it with the crocodile tears.

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David Bernsen, Weybridge says...
11:29pm Fri 27 Jun 08

Have to agree with Ron on this one.
A sad tale indeed, but Jo seems a little intense. Good luck dear. Maybe have a lie down?

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blue, Carshalton says...
4:20pm Sat 28 Jun 08

sarah wrote:
I am shocked and disgusted of some behaviour of kids today, not all turn out to be sadistic animal killers. Working with wild animals I saw many shot wounds in swans and hedgehogs used as footballs! What is this world coming to? I saw a stall in Sutton selling BB Guns. These should be taken off the street and banned. Whoever did this awful act and left this family without their precious and beloved family cat should be named and ashamed, but as per norm, they are just cowards who don't care about other people and who they may hurt. Whoever did this is a scared, lonely, sad individual who has nothing better to do than play with BB guns. Be an adult and admit who you were and apologise.

Whilst I agree with most of your comments Sarah I have to say I think it is a little unfair to blame kids when there is no proof that kids were involved in this crime. Adults do also play this sick game! I certainly agree that these guns should be banned from being sold and I hope that the family are able to get over this horrifying incident as soon as is possible, my thoughts are with them.

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ian, Sutton says...
9:04pm Sat 28 Jun 08

Message for Big Ron Your A TOSSER!

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Big Ron, CATford says...
10:46pm Sat 28 Jun 08

ian wrote:
Message for Big Ron Your A TOSSER!

Ian, I may well be a dab hand at cooking pancakes, but you need to get your little chav head in a dictionary (I take it you do know what a dictionary is???) Its "you're", not "your".

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Perditia, Austin says...
6:11am Sun 29 Jun 08

I sympathize with the family who lost their pet. As for Big Ron's comments, I realize that you are not condoning cruelty to animals. I also realize that many people would not shed tears over the loss of someone else's pet (or child for that matter). However, you should be aware that animal cruelty is generally considered a gateway crime by law enforcement and mental health professionals. According to an article published in Clinical Psychology Review
Volume 21, Issue 5, July 2001, individuals (adults or children) who repeatedly abuse or injure animals in a manner that is contrary to societal norms, are more likely to commit violent crimes against humans. That is why several states in the U.S. have adopted intervention and counseling programs for individuals convicted of animal cruelty. In addition some states have passed laws making extreme or repeated abuse of animals a felony offense. Perhaps if everyone were as sensitive as Jo, they would recognize animal abuse for what it is-violent behavior-and take steps to correct it before it escalates to humans.

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response to Little Ron, belmont says...
10:42am Sun 29 Jun 08

A innocnet living thing has been hurt by a callous criminal who is just as likely to hurt a person so this is not "just a cat" this is a problem some weirdo has out there. If a person enjoys hurting something he is unstable (most serial killers have first enjoyed hurting animals as they could get away with it and get in practice). Why would someone want to hurt a defenseless creature and think that's ok? And more disturbing, why would someone, Little Man Ron, think this was acceptable? Scary people live around us, those without the ability to feel. Little Ron is obviously got serious issues. He will get angry I'm sure about comments in response but that's typical behavioural problems we see with men who bully. Issues issues issues.

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SHELOKAY, new malden says...
11:25am Sun 29 Jun 08

Big Ron wrote:

ian wrote: Message for Big Ron Your A TOSSER!
Ian, I may well be a dab hand at cooking pancakes, but you need to get your little chav head in a dictionary (I take it you do know what a dictionary is???) Its "you're", not "your".

grow up ron!
firstly what right do u have to critise whether someone is being ott! u dont know the person u have no right!
secondly u have felt the need to be childish and reply to every post written about u with dumb **** comments in return! hontelty get over yourself

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samantha, hackbridge says...
10:56pm Sun 29 Jun 08

please people grow up, why all the argueing??? you are not in scholl!!! EVERYBODY reacts differently with their emotions, you dont all have to be the same way.
I personnally whilst reading this artical wished i could help the family that had to deal with this situation. but if people cry then all that shows is they have a huge, caring, sensitive heart. NOTHING to have to hide or be ashamed of. This is what the comments are for! And yes i do wish these people who shot the cat get shot themselves by a pellet 3 times the size so they can see how it feels. i apologise for any grammar or spelling mistakes but nobodys perfect

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carly, london says...
8:45am Mon 30 Jun 08

Why is everyone picking on Ron, I understand what he means & it's not exactly that bad. Yes I felt bad hearing about that, my cat got killed too. But I'm just thankful it wasn't a child.
I'm not condoning anything but at the end of the day, you are all having a go at Ron for his comments.....have you looked at what insults & comments most of you have made to Ron?

I think you should all think again before you start having a go at people.!

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suttonpeopledotcom, Sutton says...
11:11am Mon 30 Jun 08

Yes i would like to retract my comment about Big Ron and apologize to him. I know he wasn't condoning animal cruelty, but at the same time, i realize that some people out there feel a lot more deeply for animals than perhaps he does.
My apologies to you Ron for my previous comment, it was uncalled for.

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sarah, Wallington says...
9:45am Tue 1 Jul 08

To Blue from Carshalton. I must say that I know it is isn't just kids who act out these callous acts, but also grown up adults, who still think its funny going around shooting animals. I know how it feels to lose a child recently and family pets and in both cases it is very hard and emotional. Please stop this debate! The unfortunate and sad event has happened, lets all stop bickering and be adults. This is a cruel world we live in.

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Big Ron, Croydon says...
10:28am Tue 1 Jul 08

suttonpeopledotcom wrote:
Yes i would like to retract my comment about Big Ron and apologize to him. I know he wasn't condoning animal cruelty, but at the same time, i realize that some people out there feel a lot more deeply for animals than perhaps he does. My apologies to you Ron for my previous comment, it was uncalled for.

Ahh, you needn't have apologised! I was in no way offended by anything that you said in your message (I'm pretty much impossible to offend!)But still, thats very sweet, thank-you Suttonpeople.com.

And thank-you Carly, also. At least you understood the point I was making.

And just for the record, people who hurt animals ARE scum and need dealing with.
This is the view of not just myself, but also my dog, 2 cats and hamster (well, I think thats what they'd think, anyway!).

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C, SW London says...
12:23pm Tue 1 Jul 08

Big Ron talks a lot of sense (most of the time)

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fedupofthiscountry, Wallington says...
1:08pm Tue 1 Jul 08

I agree that people who harm animals quite often go on to harm humans so need to be dealt with in the same way for harming an animal as a human. But I also agree with Big Ron, all this outpouring of sympathy for an animal when was the last time a child cruelty case reported in this paper sparked the same emotions? We need to look to ourselves in this country and at our mentality. Please don't forget that poor little girl who was starved to death by her mother and stepfather and was dead for three days before they even bothered to go to her. Who reported their concerns NOBODY! Perhaps if the people in this country started bothering abour each other then things like this could be prevented, human or animal.

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carly, london says...
3:39pm Tue 1 Jul 08

Thats alright Ron, just didn't see how it was fair that you make a fair comment & then everyone is horrible about you making a 'horrible' remark. Bit hypocritical if you ask me.
Either way, this sort of thing is still sick if this is what gets kids going these day.
They need something to do or it is just gona get worse

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elisha parkinson, i aint tellin u says...
2:53pm Wed 2 Jul 08

Big Ron wrote:

Jo wrote:
I have tears in my eyes reading this, how can anybody be so so cruel a cat can hurt noboby, being a cat lover it makes me feel sick that somebody can do this, my heart goes out to the poor family
Oh, come on, for goodness sakes, get a grip, Jo. Yes its sad and unfortunate, but its a cat. Just a cat. Read some of the other stories on this site and you\'ll see some people have had their children die. I think that puts things back in context a little, don\'t you think?

umm do u mine i an the owner of the cat tht got shot yes im elisha parkinson how dare u say that i have had that cat since before i was bloody born and i cryyyed so **** much yeah im swearin but i dnt give a **** i loved tht cat she was my **** best friend wlkin into that room seeing my cat was haaarrddder than you think i almost fainted i couldent take it so wat if someone has teares in there eye it aint notin to do wiv ubold

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elisha parkinson, wallington says...
3:02pm Wed 2 Jul 08

Big Ron wrote:
Guys, look, I do have a heart, and I really do sympathise with the kids who had to watch their cat suffer because of the actions of some mindless scum.

But my point was directed at Jo and her supposedly profound tears and sadness. It was just a little OTT to be honest. Especially when compared to the loss a parent suffers when they lose a child, of which there are several stories on this site detailing such. They are the real heart wrenching stories.
And to respond to your last point Jo, no, it is most certainly not acceptable to harm animals. At no point in my original reply did I infer this. You are simply being over-emotional.

Helen, thank you for your constructive comment. I would be 'Animal', the one who played the drums at the start of that programme. Which one would you have been...... Miss Piggy?

errrrr yh imm elisha parkinson owner of the cat tht got shot please dont compare my problems to the death of a child because they are not the same i have had tht cat since before i was bloody born and it bloody killed me inside when i saw her and dont tel me was its like loosein ppl coz most my m8s have been killed or killed them selvs soo yhh i do know wat its like but that cat was like a person to mee and if tht jo guy crys its because they care if all ur gonna do is bloody be a farttard then dnt bloody comment byee

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e, wallington says...
3:03pm Wed 2 Jul 08

Big Ron wrote:
Guys, look, I do have a heart, and I really do sympathise with the kids who had to watch their cat suffer because of the actions of some mindless scum.

But my point was directed at Jo and her supposedly profound tears and sadness. It was just a little OTT to be honest. Especially when compared to the loss a parent suffers when they lose a child, of which there are several stories on this site detailing such. They are the real heart wrenching stories.
And to respond to your last point Jo, no, it is most certainly not acceptable to harm animals. At no point in my original reply did I infer this. You are simply being over-emotional.

Helen, thank you for your constructive comment. I would be \'Animal\', the one who played the drums at the start of that programme. Which one would you have been...... Miss Piggy?

Report this post »

carly, london says...
3:30pm Wed 2 Jul 08

Elisha, could I just firstly say calm down. It's obvious this is upsetting & thats understandable. But at the end of the day just remember , people on here are no one to you. Whatever people say on these things you shouldn't take it to heart. I've seen some really nasty comments on this website & darling, the last thing you want to do is to make yourself feel worse cos your'e taking these people's comments to heart.
I honestly dont think Ron meant to offend anybody, people dont know how things like this make you feel unless it happens to them so it can be hard to understand.
It just upsets me that you are taking people that you dont know's comments to heart. I hope you do feel better soon though love.

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Jo, Hackbridge says...
9:14am Thu 3 Jul 08

Elisha, I agree with carly, apart from the big about big ron not meaning to offend because that's excactly what he did to me!! sweetheart try not to take these comments to heart I know it's an awful time for you & your mum & little sis but time is a great healer & i have been through some awful trauma in my life which i suppose has made me the softie that i am! take care hope you all feel better soon thinking of you all

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