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21
Sept
Calls for statue of famous Ripon cat as death announced
Ripon residents have suggested a statue is commissioned after a beloved local cat died.
The news was announced on Facebook that “local treasure”, Badger, had died on September 18, aged 15.
Badger was regularly seen in Ripon and even has a Facebook page with over 1,200 followers dedicated to him and his late brother Bodger.
On the post, which has over 150 comments, a number of people suggested a statue be bought, paid for by the community, and displayed at one of the cat’s favourite haunts: Sainsbury’s.
Badger made the news back in 2023 after he was attacked - believed to have been kicked and hung by his collar by children.
Local people were so outraged by the incident that £2,000 was put up for information leading to the conviction of whoever was responsible.
Badger was seen regularly around Sainsbury's and the cathedral until owner Naomi Walker moved elsewhere in the city. The gregarious moggy then started frequenting Lead Lane and took a particular fondness to a local fish and chip shop.
Ms Walker said in the post:
He gave me and so many others so much joy over the years. Thank you to staff at Bishopton Vets. Life will never be the same. Heartbroken to say the least. He is with his brother now.
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