Pet owner vows to prosecute cat killer

A CAT owner has vowed to prosecute the culprits who shot his 18-month-old pet.

Jon Paul and Beverley Turner, of The Street, Great Bricett, discovered Kelly lying dead in a field behind their home with a gunshot wound to her stomach.

She had failed to return home as normal on June 17 and a search was made of the local area, with leaflets requesting help posted through letterboxes.

The black cat was finally located at about 8pm on Sunday and an x-ray confirmed she had been shot with what is believed to be .22 calibre rifle.

Villagers are now coming to terms with the possibility that a sniper is living among them in the 350-strong community.

Mr Turner, 41, said: "I want to know who did it. I can't think of anybody in the close neighbourhood who would've done it but if I do find out, I'll take it further and prosecute."

The Turners moved to Great Bricett around five months ago, having previously lived in Ipswich, to enjoy the country life.

"We came to the country to be somewhere quiet where can live in peace and harmony but this has really upset everybody, he said.

"My wife is devastated and my 18-year-old daughter, Georgina, is upset too."

Pc Kevin Shields, of Suffolk police, said: "This is a despicable crime which has caused so much distress to the family concerned.

"We believe the cat the cat was probably shot on, or near to the day she went missing but we need the help of members of the public to piece together the circumstances."

He added: "People must be made aware that weapons such as that believed to have been used in this incident, and indeed air weapons, are not toys and can have fatal repercussions if misused.

"They must never be fired at animals or other humans and should only be used in controlled conditions."

Anyone with information should contact Pc Shields on 01284 774100 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.