A FAMILY has been left devastated after their pet was shot with a high-powered rifle and later put to sleep.

Duchy was left with horrendous injuries following the incident which took place outside the garden of his home in Sandham Grove, Heswall at around 10.30pm on Friday (March 15).

A neighbour reported hearing a gunshot. Looking out of the window, she could see a red laser coming from the field which runs behind the houses at the back of a railway line.

A few minutes later she saw Duchy struggling to climb the fence between the two properties and went to investigate.

She found the cat writhing in pain with what appeared to be a gunshot wound in the front of his body.

She alerted Duchy's owner, Valerie Edmonson, and they rushed the injured cat to ChesterGates Veterinary Specialists in Ellesmere Port.

Sadly, his injuries were so severe a vet decided to put him to sleep to end him suffering.

The bullet used to shoot Duchy broke into pieces causing wounds like shrapnel.

The RSPCA has now launched an appeal to find those responsible for the shooting.

Mrs Edmondson, who lives with husband Keith and has had Duchy for five years, said she is devastated by her loss and also worried for other animals in the area.

She said: "He was my son's cat but I inherited him five years ago and can't tell you how much pleasure he brought me.

"He was gorgeous and loved to follow me around the house but would also enjoy going in the garden and exploring nearby.

"He was in terrible pain from his injuries. He was wailing, it was awful to see him suffer so much.

"I just hope someone can help the RSPCA find the person responsible so no-one else has to go through what we have.

"I also worry that a person could have been shot as the gun was aimed towards houses."

Every year the RSPCA receives almost 1,000 calls to investigate cases and help hundreds of animals that are the defenseless victims of air gun attacks.

Inspector Joynes added: "It is very distressing to think that people take pleasure in causing such horrific injuries to defenceless animals.

"These are deliberate and brutal acts of cruelty.

"Cats and wildlife are normally the animals that are more susceptible to these incidents simply because they are out in the open with no one to protect them.

"Unfortunately, air rifle attacks are not as rare as we would like.

"The injuries caused by such attacks are horrific and often fatal.

"We are supporting Cat's Protection's call for tighter controls on air weapons.

"This, along with better education and explanation of the law when buying an air gun, and requirements that everyone must receive basic safety training before being allowed to walk out of the shop could help relieve the problem.

"These weapons cause horrific pain and suffering and it is illegal.

"Anyone caught deliberately using an air gun to injure an animal can be up to six months in prison and/or an unlimited fine if found guilty under the Animal Welfare Act."

RSPCA Inspector Anthony Joynes, who is investigating the incident, described the injuries to Duchy as "catastrophic".

He said: "The shot has entered Duchy's chest and the X-ray revealed the horrific damage it has done inside.

"The bullet entered Duchy just behind the front leg fragmenting the bone.

"The bullet then broke into small pieces causing shrapnel type wounds near the entry wound and into the chest.

"These injuries must have caused a terrible amount of pain and suffering.

"Based on these injuries and the laser light the neighbour saw it is believed the gun used was a probably an air rifle which had been modified to be high-powered.

"It is obviously really concerning that someone was in that area with this type of weapon and used it to shoot towards some residential properties.

"Residents in the street are now obviously worried for their pets and also for their own safety following this incident which has also been reported to the police.

"We know the fields where the shot came from are private and the landowner said he had not given anyone permission to be there.

"I am appealing for anyone with information about who did this to contact the RSPCA appeals line on 0300 123 8018."