POLICE are investigating an incident at Three Legged Cross in which a pet cat was shot in the shoulder after venturing out after dark.

Gordon, 18 months, was injured on the night of Wednesday, May 18, but owner Debbie Logan did not realise what had happened straight away.

“He didn’t come in for breakfast. He was lying under the bushes and didn’t move. I thought he was slightly off-colour,” she said.

The cat tried to walk, but soon collapsed. Debbie took him to the vet, who found a puncture wound in his left shoulder.

“They thought he had fallen badly or had a fight,” she said.

But over the next few days, Gordon’s condition deteriorated until he was unable to put any weight on the affected leg.

He was taken back to the vet, where X-rays revealed that he had been shot with an air rifle.

“The pellets damaged the shoulder so much that they may end up having to amputate,” said mother of four Debbie.

She has warned neighbours about the shooting and has heard of several other similar incidents in the area.

Last August, Zena Street’s cat Chloe was shot and kicked like a football in Three Legged Cross. Her injuries meant she had to be put down.

And on May 12 this year, a black cat was shot with an air rifle near Post Green Road, Lytchett Minster.

Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

PC Paul Holman said: “I understand this is not the first time that one of the owner’s pets has been hurt in such a way. I would urge any other Lytchett Minster residents who may have suffered similar attacks in recent weeks to get in touch.”

• Anyone with information should ring the police on 01202 222 222 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.