The RSPCA has confirmed it is investigating the shooting of cats on Stockton Breakwall and has conducted a search for remaining injured animals.
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As The Herald previously reported, cats on the breakwall were shot as part of an animal control operation ordered by the Port of Newcastle. Some animals were killed, while others were severely injured.
Two cats, Lily and Rosie, have now been treated by Mayfield Veterinary Hospital after being shot in the head. Both have lost their sight, while Rosie will need to have an eye removed.
The hospital said it was unsure what the animals were shot with, while the RSPCA and the port would not confirm that detail when asked.
The RSPCA said in a statement the investigation was continuing with inquiries being made, and asked anyone who has found an injured cat or has information to report to call 1300 CRUELTY (1300 278 3589) or visit rspcansw.org/reportcruelty.
"As this matter is being investigated, we are unable to provide further information at this time," the statement said.
The port is also continuing to investigate the incident, which it acknowledged was distressing and did not meet its expectations.
It said it had engaged "external experts to examine all aspects of the activity" and that no further animal control activities would take place until the investigation was complete. The port has also invited feedback via its website and referred people impacted by the event who need assistance onto Lifeline.
While the port has acknowledged the incident was not handled the way it wanted, it has stood by the decision to cull the stray animals.
The port said it had "been seeking to humanely remove the cats from the Stockton breakwall for many years in order to keep the site safe for our community, protect native flora and fauna and align with government advice on the issue".
This includes attempts to capture the stray cats, which have been foiled by the theft of cages set to trap the animals.
But Mayfield Veterinary Hospital owner Nigel Dunn expressed concern that the animals were culled considering they were mostly desexed and microchipped.
"They've got names, they're tame and they live in a manmade environment, not around other wildlife," he said. "I don't think it's your typical wild cat cull."
Dr Dunn agreed the culling could have been handled in a more humane way.
"It goes against our practice values," he said. "We have helped cats on the breakwall in the past. I'm sure some of these cats that were shot we've treated in the past."
The incident was also distressing to John Howden, who is the secretary of Newcastle District Hunting Club and does commercial pest shooting.
He said as a licensed hunter there were rules, regulations and a code of conduct to follow to ensure the culling was performed in the most humane way.
"When we do it, you look at shot placement, the areas of an animal you should be targeting so they die in a quick and unpainful manner," Mr Howden said. "The head is only small target area, it's better to go for a chest shot.
"The choice of firearm is another critical area. If you are trying to shoot something with an underpowered firearm you will not get a result.
"There's questions they need to internally ask themselves, why the outcome was what it was."
The Stray Cats Project managed to capture Rosie on Tuesday morning and took her to the vet after trying to get her for several days.
Stray Cats Project founder Rochelle Wood said volunteers had found some uninjured cats and were continuing to look for others, but many of the cats were still wary considering what had happened.
Ms Wood expressed concern the port had not ruled out continuing animal control activities once the investigation is complete.
"It's outrageous they could continue this in any way shape or form," she said. "I pray that they don't."
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