Dog dies after air weapon attack

A dog has had to be put down after being shot by an air weapon - the third attack on an animal this week being investigated by police in the area.

Mickey, an eight-year-old grey lurcher, went missing after being let out from the family home in Allensmore, Herefordshire, on Wednesday afternoon.

He was found in a "collapsed state" the next day and vets found a pellet lodged in his chest, police said.

Earlier this week, two cats were injured by pellets fired from guns.

A cat in Stoke Prior, Worcestershire, was seriously injured when it was shot by air rifle.

'Not targets'

Bones in its right leg and chest were shattered, and the pet's owner now faced hundreds of pounds in vet's fees, police said.

And another pet cat in Much Cowarne, Herefordshire, was injured after a BB gun pellet was fired at it.

Police are appealing for information about all the attacks.

A police spokesman said: "Dogs and cats are not 'legitimate targets' and shooting at them will not only cause the animals injury and pain but will also cause their owners considerable anguish, grief and expense."