Cat is shot at Much Cowarne

11:55am Thursday 14th August 2008

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A CAT has been shot with an air weapon in the village of Much Cowarne, near Bromyard, police revealed this morning.

The incident happened between 10pm on Tuesday (August 12) and 8am yesterday (Wednesday, August 13). This is the period that the 3½ year old ginger tomcat spends out of the owner's home each day.

The owner found the cat collapsed in the morning and took it to the vets, who confirmed that it had been shot with the pellet from a BB gun.

Police are keen to hear from anyone in the locality who may have information on the incident, and in particular of anyone who may have a BB gun in the Much Cowarne area.

The incident follows news that a cat in the village of Stoke Prior had been shot and seriously injured by someone with an air rifle a few days ago.

A police spokesman said, "Two such incidents in a week is of concern to us. It would be easy to suggest that youngsters are responsible as it is school holiday time, but we are keeping an open mind as to who is responsible.

"Person injuring animals in this way could be prosecuted for criminal damage, cruelty to animals and air weapon offences."

Anyone with information on either incident are urged to contact Lisa Hewitt at the public service desk at Hereford Police Station on 08457 444888, or call the free Crimestoppers line on 0800 555111.