By David LennardPOLICE and RSPCA officers have launched an investigation after a pet cat was shot, suffering horrendous injuries.The much-loved cat, called Minnie, was attacked in Wenhaston and could have to have a leg amputated as a result of the shooting.

By David Lennard

POLICE and RSPCA officers have launched an investigation after a pet cat was shot, suffering horrendous injuries.

The much-loved cat, called Minnie, was attacked in Wenhaston and could have to have a leg amputated as a result of the shooting.

It is the second year running that a pet cat has been shot in the village and there are fears someone living in the area may have a grudge against animals.

Minnie belongs to nine-year-old Jessie Musk and was shot on August 15, but managed to make its way home despite its terrible injuries.

Jessie's mother, Angela, said: “We are just so grateful that Minnie made it back home. It could easily have died a slow and agonising death in a field or ditch.”

The family took the injured cat to the Eagle Veterinary Practice in Halesworth, where vet Ken Thomas could hardly believe his eyes.

The injuries to Minnie were virtually identical to a cat he had treated almost exactly a year ago after it too had been shot in Wenhaston.

“In both cases the cat suffered serious leg injuries after being shot with a 0.22 rifle. The bullet shattered the leg bones of both cats and they were both shot at the same time of year,” he said.

Mr Thomas believed the cats were hunting for mice in recently-harvested fields when they were shot at.

“Because they were hunting in stubble fields, they would be much more visible, but I cannot understand why someone would want to shoot at them,” he said.

The cat injured in the shooting incident in Wenhaston last year made a good recovery after being treated by Mr Thomas, but he is still waiting to see if Minnie will recover from the injuries.

“I have been able to pin the broken leg bones together, but the wound also caused considerable nerve damage,” he said.

“There is still a possibility that the cat will have to have its leg amputated, but we are giving it every chance to recover.”

Meanwhile, Jessie is giving her pet all the love and attention it could possibly need in a bid to make it better.

“Jessie is really looking after Minnie ever so well. The cat is looking much better now, but it still cannot put any weight on the injured leg,” said Mrs Musk.

RSPCA inspector, John Bowe, appealed for help in trying to find the person responsible for shooting the cats.

“We have no idea who it is that is shooting at pet cats. If we find who is responsible, we will not hesitate to bring them before the courts, where if convicted they could face a fine of up to £5,000 or a six-month custodial sentence,” he said.

He urged anyone with information about the shooting incidents to contact the RSPCA or their local police station.

david.lennard@eadt.co.uk