RENDLESHAM: Cat owner Rhia Harvey has spoken of her disgust after her pet was shot resulting in serious injuries.

Her prized pet CJ was let out of the house in Redwald Road, Rendlesham, but two hours later returned with blood on her fur.

Miss Harvey, 28, said: “She was really, really shocked. She came in and I could see that there was blood and a wound but I could tell that she was sad and she had her head down and she wanted to go to sleep. I could tell that she was in pain.”

CJ, who is blind in one eye and deaf, was taken to the vet who discovered that a pellet had been shot at the cat.

“We went to the vet and it was quite odd because the puncture wound was on one side but he could not find the pellet.

“He gave her the once over and when he examined her further he found on the other side a lump which he thought was the pellet.”

CJ was kept in the veterinary surgery overnight following the incident on Wednesday, last week, and following an anxious wait – which left Miss Harvey fearing for her pet’s life – she was allowed home the following day.

Suffolk police are now investigating the incident. But it has left Miss Harvey concerned that other cats will also be targeted.

“I am quite worried because there are quite a few cats that live where I am.

“I cannot understand how somebody could do that to any animal whether you like them or not. It is just devastating and to think that it has happened close to me has made me worry a lot. I did fear that she would die. It was awful and I did not sleep overnight.”

n Anyone with information about someone firing an air weapon in the area near Redwald Road on Wednesday morning is asked to call Pc 1539 Cobbold on 01473 613500.