Montreal, November 27, 2014 – On November 19^th, a very sweet adult cat, who we named Maggie, was brought to the Montreal SPCA as a stray. Since she suffered from an obvious limp, the SPCA’s veterinary team examined her and ordered that Maggie be sent for x-rays. Upon analysis of the x-rays, the veterinary team discovered that Maggie sustained a serious injury – she had a bullet from a BB gun lodged in her hind leg and required major surgery. The Montreal SPCA’s inspection department is conducting an investigation and is asking anyone with information that could lead to the apprehension of the person who shot Maggie with a BB gun to come forward by contacting us at inspection@spca.com or (514) 735-2711 x 2230. All tips are treated confidentially.

Maggie was found in Ville Saint-Laurent (between Emilie-Bélanger and Boulevard Poirier) with no identification and we have not managed to find her family. After her surgery, Maggie will continue her recovery in her loving foster home until she is ready to be adopted.

“The fact is that someone chose to inflict this type of pain and suffering on Maggie, by shooting her with a BB gun – which is horrifying to think about. We absolutely want to find the person responsible for this and our inspection department is working hard to do so” said Alanna Devine, Director of Animal Advocacy at the Montreal SPCA. “Animal cruelty is a serious offence and the perpetrator of this act could face charges under the criminal code including up to five years in prison.” The SPCA is thanking  the public for their support in helping us find the person responsible for this barbaric act.

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Media contact: Anita Kapuscinska, Media Relations Coordinator, Montreal SPCA, 514-226-3932, or anitak@spca.com.

About the Montreal SPCA

Founded in Montreal in 1869, we were the first humane society in Canada and our mission is to:

• protect animals against negligence, abuse, and exploitation;
• represent their interests and ensure their well-being;
• raise public awareness and help develop compassion for all living beings.

For many years, the Montreal SPCA has been working hard with the three levels of government (municipal, provincial and federal) to improve laws on animal protection. In 2013, our inspection service investigated 1,102 new complaints and conducted the inspection of 2,846 animals, all species combined. A total of 195 animals were seized as a result of their investigations and several criminal prosecutions or charges have been brought.

For more information about the Montreal SPCA, please visit our website at www.spca.com.