THE RSPCA is appealing for information after a cat was shot at close range in Delabole with an air rifle, shattering both its legs.

The 11 month-old ginger and white cat, called Marmie, was found on Tuesday, March 2 at the side of West Down Road in Delabole.

A member of the public took the animal to a local vet where it was discovered the poor cat was suffering from terrible injuries to the back legs and abdomen — which required emergency treatment with a specialist vet.

The cat was then transferred to a vet in St Columb, who contacted RSPCA Animal Welfare Officer Felicity Cross.

AWO Cross said: "At first it was thought he had been hit by a car, but when he was examined by a vet it was found that he had been shot — probably at very close range- by an air rifle. The pellet travelled through one leg, shattering it, then straight through the abdomen and exited through the other leg — which was also shattered.

"This is a horrific incident where a cat has suffered appalling injuries. He is a lovely animal and although he isn't out of the woods yet, we are all hopeful he will make a full recovery."

It was discovered Marmie had been missing from his home for a week and he was re-united with his owners shortly afterwards.

"We are liaising with local police and I would appeal to anyone with information to please contact me, or the police, if they have heard or witnessed anything," added AWO Cross.

Calls can be made to the RSPCA national cruelty and advice line on 0300 1234 999 (and leave a message for Felicity Cross) or directly to the police on 08452 777444 (quoting reference number BC/10/77).