ANGRY residents have echoed cat owner Debra Ashbrook’s condemnation of the person who shot her pet kitten.

Pixie was treated at the Willows Veterinary Hospital in Hartford after being shot in the chest by a pellet on Thursday.

The kitten has been allowed home, and is on pain relief and subject to a strict regime of rest.

It was decided not to remove the pellet from the cat’s lung because of the risks associated with surgery.

Debra lives in Mere Lane, Sandiway, believes the kitten was shot between 1pm and 3pm between Mere Lane and Blake Lane, and contacted the police about the incident.

An appeal for information about the incident on Northwich Police’s Facebook page has been shared more than 200 times, and has sparked dozens of comments from people disgusted by the shooting.

“When Pixie went out at one o’clock she was fine, and when she came home she was sick and her breathing was erratic,” said Debra.

“My son’s girlfriend had a root around her fur and found a puncture wound in her chest.

“We took her to the Willows vets, who said she had been shot with a pellet. From the X-rays they took you can see the pellet in her lung.

“I am flabbergasted someone could shoot a cat, and my son’s girlfriend burst into tears. My son is really angry at what’s happened, and my daughter has been ill with it.

“The person who has done this is obviously someone who has a gun and doesn’t like cats – they are evil.

“I have had Pixie since she was six weeks old, and I’m going to have to keep her in after this.”

Below are some of the comments about the shooting on the police Facebook page.

Annette French - We had the same happen on Grange Road, someone shot a pigeon when we were all out in the garden.

Jennie Hankey - This is scary - what happens if the person who shot a defenceless cat then decides to shoot a defenceless child, we are quite new to the street but I won’t be letting my kids play out on the green anymore never know what sickos are about. Hope u find out who done it.

Jacky Roberts - Obviously an act of a big man/woman firing at a defenceless animal. They must be so proud of themselves.

Sophie Chivers - My neighbour’s cat was shot in the spine last year in Cuddington too and lost his life. Whoever it is needs to be caught and severely punished. So disgusting.

Martine Gum - I think I'll be keeping my cats inside. Absolutely disgusting.

Anyone with information is asked to call PCSO Nixon on 101.