A FAMILY has been left devastated after their pet cat was shot, dumped and left to die.

Warndon veterinary staff who treated four-year-old Simba say they have seen a spate of similar cases - including one cat shot 26 times.

Despite treatment, Simba died two days later from injuries believed to have been caused by an air rifle.

"It's truly sickening to think that such ruthless and ignorant trash are living in our society," said the cat's owner, who has asked not to be named. "It was awful to see him suffering like that.

"Why are weapons capable of killing pets and people so easy to obtain?"

Fears for the cat, who rarely strayed far, mounted when he disappeared last Saturday.

On Sunday his owner, who lives in Warndon, received a call saying Simba had been found near flats in Tolladine Road, a distance away.

"I'm grateful to the person who found my cat," she added. "Thankfully, he was able to receive treatment and to know his family were with him, if only for a brief moment."

Trainee nurse Alex Chapple-Hyam said the Ambleside Veterinary Clinic surgery, where Simba died on Tuesday, had seen two cats shot within three days last week.

"One had been shot 26 times," she said. "But there are many more we don't know about because people can't always afford X-rays."

The RSPCA fears the problem will grow until the law on owning air rifles is changed.

"We've lobbied the Government to change the laws on owning and using low-powered air rifles," said spokeswoman Jo Cunningham.

"Last year, they announced changes over high-powered rifles, but it's the low ones which are used to shoot animals."

Anyone with information should contact Worcester police, on 01905 723888, or Crimestoppers, on 0800 555111.

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