A PERSHORE family has been left fearing for the safety of their pets after their cat was shot with an airgun.

Dobby, an 11-month-old tabby, is now in recovery after being hit between her jawbone and shoulder on Wednesday, April 28.

Police are appealing for information about the incident, the latest in a series of animal cruelty cases in the Vale this year.

The cat's owner Mrs Branwen Beattie and her daughters Leigh-Anne, aged 11, and Catrin, seven, are now worried for their dogs Bramble and Domino. "Naturally, we are all distressed and angry at what someone has done to Dobby and want this person caught before they can do it again," she said.

Police spokesman Richard Bull said: "It is worrying and upsetting that someone felt the need to injure someone else's pet. We would ask anyone who knows anything about this cruel and heartless attack on a defenceless animal to help us with our inquiries."

In March animal lovers in the Vale were shocked when a cat belonging to a Honeybourne family was left blind in one eye after being shot in the face.

Anyone with information is asked to call Pershore police on 08457 444888.