Appeal for info after cat dies in a 'nasty' attack

A CAT died after she was hit by a pellet fired in 'a nasty, close range shot' with an air rifle, the RSPCA has said.

- BY PAUL BRITTON

The charity reported a 'surge in cruel and unlawful attacks on animals with airguns' as it revealed the plight of the 18-month-old female, named Noir by investigators.

The RSPCA has now launched a major investigation and is appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

Noir was found by a member of the public in their garden on Howard Close in Romiley, Stockport, on May 29. The charity said they were concerned for her welfare as her breathing was laboured, so made attempts to find her owner.

She was taken to another local resident with a microchip scanner, but it emerged she wasn't microchipped.

After being taken to a veterinary surgery, Noir's breathing deteriorated and an X-ray went on to reveal a pellet lodged in her abdomen. Despite the best efforts of the vet, she sadly died overnight.