A WOMAN is looking to warn neighbours after her cat was shot at close range while walking close to home.

Isobel Cooper, of Carlton Road, had to have her cat Roxy put down after she suffered major internal injuries, having been shot through the leg with an air rifle.

Despite the best efforts of vets at Pets at Home in Northwich, there were major doubts that Roxy would have survived the major operation needed to investigate the five shrapnel holes in her intestines.

“I saw her fall off the fence,” Isobel said.

“They shot her in the leg while she was running across a fence.

“A cat with one little hole in its intestines might recover, but with five it’s a different story.

“What scared me is that it’s a close residential area. You shouldn’t be allowed to use a gun – that could have been my children or grandchild playing in the garden.”

Isobel has now sent a leaflet around to neighbours warning them of the danger in the area.

She has also thanked the vets at Pets at Home, who stayed late to care for Roxy on Wednesday evening, June 20, following the incident, and then opened up early on Thursday.

The police and RSPCA are investigating the incident.

In a leaflet warning neighbours, Isobel said: “We are appealing to all neighbours for any eyewitnesses to assist with their investigations in an attempt to keep our pets and children safe in this area.

“Please help us find who is responsible for this terrible act.”

A spokesman for Cheshire Police said: “At around 8pm on Wednesday, June 20 police were called to a report of a cat having been shot on Carlton Road in Northwich.

“Officers attended the scene and discovered that the cat had been shot in the leg by an air rifle and the pellet had gone into its body.

“The cat was taken to a vets. Enquiries into the incident are ongoing.”

nCall Cheshire Police on 101, quoting incident number 99313.

Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit cheshire.police.uk/contact/general-enquiries