South African family’s Irish ‘fairy tale’ ends as pet shot

A FAMILY moved to Co Limerick to escape increasing gun crime in South Africa – only to have the family pet they brought with them shot.

The Niemic family said they are devastated that somebody could shoot a pet cat.

Heather Niemic had to place their three-year-old cat, Jasmine in quarantine for six months before bringing her to the new family home in Newcastle West.

The pet is now recovering from surgery to remove a pellet from her back and is on a feeding tube.

Heather found Jasmine bleeding heavily from with a wound to the back near the family home in Knight’s Court, Newcastle West.

Ms Niemic said: “We moved over from South Africa two years ago to escape the crime there, and were enjoying living in Newcastle West, but now we feel that the fairy tale has been ruined.

“We brought Jasmine over with us from Durban, South Africa, and she had to spend six months in quarantine.

She is only three and it would be absolutely tragic if her short life was to end because of the cruel act of an individual.”

Veterinary surgeon, Hugh O’Callaghan of the Crescent Veterinary Clinic, gave life-saving aid to the pet and an x-ray revealed she had been shot by a pellet gun.

Heather said: “I can’t understand why somebody would do this to a defenceless animal.

“I am completely devastated and was crying all morning when I was told they had to put her on a drip.

“The incident must have happened near to where we live as Jasmine never wanders more than 500 yards away from our home. She sleeps with us every night so that we know she is safe.”

Heather said she is fearful of getting another pet in case it is attacked.

Newcastle West gardaí (069 62111) are investigating.