Cat owners 'shocked' after fatal air gun attack

Hunter was one and a half years old and had lived with the family in Norwich since he was four months

The owners of a beloved family cat were left "shocked and devastated" when they had to put him down after he was shot in the spine with an air gun.

Hunter, a one year old black cat, went missing from his home in Fairfax Road, Norwich, on 30 March, the RSPCA said.

He was found by a member of the public four days later - hiding in a nearby shed.

Hunter's owners were traced from his microchip, but due to the extent of his injuries, and because "nothing more could be done", he was put to sleep, the charity added.

Vets were able to see the full extent of the damage to Hunter when X-rays were taken

"His owner has been left shocked and devastated by what has happened to Hunter," a RSPCA spokeswoman said.

X-rays of his injuries showed he had been "shot in his spine" so his owners made "the devastating decision to have him put to sleep, as nothing more could be done to help him", she added.

David Allen, RSPCA animal rescue officer, said: "Why someone would seemingly target an innocent animal like this is unfathomable - it is just cruel and so unnecessary.

"It leaves a family heartbroken and I am horrified by what has happened to poor Hunter.

“We know we are not alone in thinking that any deliberate attack on an animal in this way is appalling, but sadly these types of incidents are not uncommon."

The air gun pellet removed from Hunter

He said the charity received "hundreds of calls to investigate air gun shootings every year" and cats were among the animals most affected.

Norfolk Police said the incident had been reported to the force and the RSPCA was "leading on this".