A cat was shot with an airgun in a suspected targeted attack has sadly been put to sleep.
The five-year-old neutered male tabby cat was found with an airgun shot wound in Brightons, Falkirk, on March 12.
He was handed in to a local vet by a member of the public and was said to be 'screaming his pain' upon arrival.
Professionals say the animal suffered a shot wound in his lower abdomen, which turned out to be an airgun pellet.
He also sustained other extensive injuries such as a badly fractured leg, bruising and bleeding.
Despite efforts to save him, the cat's condition was so poor that he had to be put to sleep.
Following the sad death, the Scottish SPCA have since expressed their concern that the animal attack was potentially targeted.
They are appealing for anyone with any information on the incident to come forward.
Scottish SPCA inspector Mairi Wright said, “The cat was a five-year-old, neutered male tabby cat.
“He was mostly black with brown stripes, and a dark coloured stomach.
“He was found with a shot wound in his lower abdomen, which turned out to be an airgun pellet.
“Alongside this he had other extensive injuries such as a badly fractured leg, bruising and bleeding.
“He was screaming in pain on arrival at the vets.
“Every effort was made to stabilise this cat but unfortunately, his condition was so poor that he had to be put to sleep on welfare grounds.
“We are concerned this cat was potentially targeted.
“If anyone has any information on how the cat sustained these injuries they can contact our confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999.”
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here.
