Police probe after cat shot dead with air rifle near its home in 'abhorrent' attack

Police in Scotland have launched an investigation after a pet cat was shot dead in an “abhorrent” attack near its home.

The incident, which involved an air rifle, happened in the Turnberry Wynd area of Irvine, North Ayrshire, on Tuesday, 2 March.

The Scottish SPCA was alerted after the owners took their dead pet to the vet, who confirmed it had been shot with a pellet and had died due to the extent of its injuries.

The charity is now working with Police Scotland on the investigation due to the involvement of a firearm and appealed for information.

A Scottish SPCA special investigations unit inspector, who cannot be named due to undercover work, said: “Our thoughts are with the owners just now. This has been an incredibly upsetting and stressful time for them.

“The cat didn’t venture far from their house so this happened close to where the owners lived.

“We are asking anyone in the area who might know what happened to come forward.

“This was a deliberate attempt to kill an animal, which is a criminal offence punishable by law.

“This abhorrent act also shows a complete disregard for the life of an animal so we are asking pet owners in the area to be vigilant until we find the person responsible.

“We are working closely with Police Scotland to establish the circumstances due to the use of a firearm in the incident.”

Yahoo News UK has contacted Police Scotland for an update.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Scottish SPCA’s confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999.