A seven-year-old cat has been shot in the leg with an air rifle before staggering home to his owners in Merriott.

On Thursday, February 5, a black and white cat Patch came back to his home in Glebelands in the village.

Owner Jacqueline Stabbins saw Patch returning home and immediately noticed he was hobbling and his front right leg was bleeding.

Miss Stabbins said: “The vets initially thought it was a bite on his front leg but after an X-ray they realised there was a pellet and he had been shot.

“I was beside myself. I have four rescue cats and they are part of the family.

“I’ve told all the cat owners I know to be careful. I’ve never heard of anything like this before, it has been horrendous.

“It is sad as Patch will always walk with a limp now.”

RSPCA inspector John Pollock said: “We want to hear from anyone who may have seen or heard anything which might help us find out what happened to Patch.

“We will follow up any leads that are reported to us.

“This was obviously very upsetting for the whole family but I am pleased to hear Patch is recovering.

“Under the Animal Welfare Act, if someone is caught deliberately using an air weapon to injure an animal, they could face a £20,000 fine and/or up to six months in prison.”

Anyone with information about this attack can report it by calling the RSPCA inspectorate line on 0300 123 8018 and leaving a message for inspector Pollock.

To help the RSPCA investigate cases like this text the word HELP to 78866 (texts cost £3 plus one standard network rate message).