Cat shot with airgun

Norris was found badly hurt near his owners’ home on Burnside Avenue, Calder Vale, near Garstang.

The adult male Maine Coon cat - also known as an American Longhair - had several pellets lodged in his body where he had been hit by the shots.

RSPCA inspector Amy McIntosh, who is investigating, said: “The family were extremely upset when they found Norris in such a poorly state.

“It was touch and go for a while when he was taken straight to the vet. Because of injuries to his face, it was very difficult for him to eat.

“Shooting a defenceless animal in this manner is such a cowardly act. Significantly though, it is also illegal.

“I want to hear from anyone who knows anything or who saw who might be responsible for shooting Norris. It is by sheer luck that he didn’t suffer a slow and painful death that no animal should have to endure.”

Martin Meighan, Norris’s owner, said it was a huge shock when the vet told them what had happened.

Norris is now back home, but still hasn’t been outside after spending a week at the vets since he was found at about 7am on November 14.

Mr Meighan said: “My son found Norris first thing in the morning and we thought he might have been hit by a car, as these things happen. When the vet told us that he’d been shot though, we couldn’t believe it.

“He’d got a broken jaw and there was damage to his tongue as well, but he’s a big cat and maybe that is what saved him as he was able to drag himself back home where we found him.

“I’ve since heard stories from other people about other cats going missing or being hurt as well. It is a real worry.

“Everybody around here has animals and we’re all big animal lovers, so nobody can understand who would do this, or why?”

Anyone with information is asked to call the RSPCA on 0300 123 8018 and leave a message for Inspector Amy McIntosh.