A cat found slumped in a back garden was put down after her spine was found to have been severed by a pellet from an air-gun.
Nurse Belinda Kate O'Donohue told the ECHO that the cat was found shot in a neighbour's garden in the Virginia Street area of Southport yesterday afternoon (Monday).
Ms O'Donohue said that her family rushed three-year-old Skye to vets but that she had to be euthanised due to her horrific injuries.
She said: "My mum Christine is devastated by this. She suffered so much and I can't believe someone is walking around Southport shooting cats.
"Who would do should a thing?
"Skye's sister Cloud is now crying for her. It's so sad.
"The vet showed us a an X-ray of the pellet in her spine. They had to put her down."
Ms O'Donohue posted a message on social media expressing her anger.
A police spokesman said: "We are appealing for witnesses after a cat was shot with a pellet gun in Southport yesterday.
"At around 4.30pm, officers were called reporting to a report that a cat had been shot and injured in Virginia Street, an incident believed to have happened between 10am and 1.30pm. The cat was taken to a vet and was sadly put down."
Southport Community Policing Inspector Graham Fisher said: “This was an appalling incident which has led to a pet losing its life, and a great deal of upset caused for the family.
"We’ll be visiting to offer reassurance and support but meantime, if you saw this incident or have seen anyone in the area firing such a weapon, contact us or send us any home CCTV, dashcam or ring footage, and we will do the rest.
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“Not only has this cat been shot, the dangers of such reckless behaviour to any children playing nearby are also serious.
"Parents and carers who have given or suspect that young people have such weapons need to understand they are not toys and can cause devastation. I’d also encourage everyone to know where young people in their care are, especially during this time of continued restrictions.”
Anyone with information about the incident can contact @MerPolCC on Twitter, ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ on Facebook with crime reference 21000165556.
Information can also be passed on via 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 and online at https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously. Always call 999 if a crime is in progress.
