ANGRY pet owners have spoken of their disgust after their beloved cat was left blind in one eye when it was shot with an air gun.

Craig Robinson

ANGRY pet owners have spoken of their disgust after their beloved cat was left blind in one eye when it was shot with an air gun.

Tessa and Graham Yore, of Yoxford, said they were shocked when three-year-old Mavis returned home with the horrific injury.

The cat - who turned up on Tuesday morning after going missing over the weekend - has now lost the sight in her right eye.

Mrs Yore said she could not believe someone would be so cruel and is appealing for anyone with information to step forward so the culprit can be caught.

“It was horrific,” she said. “The side of her face was bloody. You could tell there was no eye there. We took her to the vets immediately. At this point we didn't realise she'd been shot but then they x-rayed her and found the pellet.”

Mrs Yore, who has seven cats, said she believes this is the second time one of her pets has been targeted.

“Three or four months ago another cat of mine, Chloe, looked as if she had been shot but we couldn't prove it. Something had entered and gone right through.

“I just can't believe anyone would be so cruel. We live in a very remote area so it's not as if they are going into people's gardens. They play in a wood near our house so you actually have to go out and find them. I can't think why anyone would want to hurt them.

“All seven of my cats are from rescue centres so this will only reinforce their fear of humans. It's just sad that people out there can behave like this.”

Alan Robinson, of Fromus Veterinary Group in Saxmundham, treated Mavis and said she was recovering well but may need another operation.

“Unfortunately there was no way we could save the eye,” he said. “She is incredibly lucky that the pellet didn't do any further damage. It's terrible that someone could do this.”

Police are appealing for information about the incident, which is believed to have happened between midday on Friday, June 19 and 8.30am on Tuesday.

Anyone who might be able to help is asked to call PC 1567 Alder on 01986 835300.