Cops are appealing for witnesses after a young cat was left badly injured having been shot in the side.
Little Neve was found in the rural Crookston area, near Peebles, at around 5.20am on Thursday, July 2 having previously been seen fit and well just hours before.
The two-year-old was rushed into a local vet where a small amount of metal fragments had to be removed from her body.
Despite surviving the horrifying ordeal and returning home, it is feared that the cat may suffer from long term issues due to the nature of her injury.
Police are keen to determine exactly how Neve came to be injured and believe she was targeted with a shotgun or similar firearm.
They are urging members of the public with information to get in touch.
Constable Barry Taylor of Peebles Police Station said: "This incident has not only caused significant injuries to a family pet but also a great deal of distress and upset to her owner.
"Neve is fortunately well enough to be allowed to return home but she may face longer term issues due to the nature of her injuries.
"Enquiries are ongoing in an effort to confirm how the cat sustained the injuries and I would encourage anyone with any information to get in touch with us on 101, quoting incident number 1101 of 3 July, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."
