Family heartbreak at cat shooting

Clyde is back now back at home after his ordeal

The owner of a family pet which was shot with an air rifle in Cornwall has said she is heartbroken and disgusted by the crime.

Clyde, an eight-year-old black and white cat, was so seriously injured his leg had to be amputated.

The shooting, which happened in Delabole on Friday night, is thought to have been carried out by youngsters.

Sharon Cousens, 36, said the incident had been particularly upsetting for her two children.

Shattered bone

She told BBC News: "Trying to explain to a six-year-old and two-year-old why someone would do such a completely wicked thing has been very difficult."

Mrs Cousens thought Clyde may have been hit by a car and took him to the vet on Saturday.

An X-ray showed the air pellet still lodged in the bone.

"We saw the X-ray. The leg bone was shattered and there was nothing the vet could do but amputate."

Mrs Cousens said the cat appeared to have come through the operation successfully and was allowed home on Tuesday.

"He's very quiet and still drugged up - far from himself - but we think he's been very brave.

"We're gutted and heartbroken that this has happened and just hope that parents will try to ensure they know what their kids are up to."

The RSPCA says this type of injury is becoming more common

Jo Barr from the RSPCA said incidents of animals being shot by air rifles were becoming increasingly common, with cats and wildlife the main targets.

"Sadly, the incidents do tend to rise at weekends and during school holiday, which points to youngsters.

"That said, we have prosecuted adults for this too."

Ms Barr has urged anyone who may know anything about how Clyde was injured, or any similar incidents, to contact the RSPCA or the police.

Jo Barr said: "We do investigate any reports of cruelty and will prosecute. The maximum penalty can be up to six months in prison or a £5,000 fine.

"Fortunately, Clyde appears to have a loving family and even though he now has only three legs, there's no reason he can't have a full and active life."