Cat suffers serious injuries after being shot in face

Six-year-old Tom was found by his owner with serious injuries to his face, teeth, and tongue on her doorstep in Broadbent Close, Lichfield.

Tom was taken straight to a vets, where it was found that a bullet had gone through his nostril, mouth and his neck, following the attack on Saturday, April 23.

Tom's owner, Amanda Dukes, said: "Tom is just so lucky to be alive. It's just so shocking - I can't believe someone would do this to him. He is well-known and liked in the area.

"It was such a shock when I found him on my doorstep with these injuries. I did not realise at first that he had been shot - I thought he had been hit by a car. It's thrown me off my feet because this happening to Tom has made me feel like I've lost an arm because we are so close and he follows me everywhere. I feel so helpless that I can't help him more.

"It's horrible to think that somebody did this to a defenceless animal."

Fragments of a bullet were removed from Tom during surgery. The fragments will be analysed by police, but it is thought that they came from a shotgun.

As a result of the incident, Tom has lost part of his tongue, and his sinuses and eyes have been left damaged.

Ms Dukes added: "He has been through a lot but he is doing well considering his injuries. He has started jumping about and he is eating mushy food."

RSPCA inspector Kate Levesley, who is investigating the shooting, said: "This is a very shocking incident which has left a cat with serious injuries and an owner who is devastated. Tom sustained serious injuries and he is very lucky to be alive.

"I am urging anyone who has any information about who did this to contact us in complete confidence on 0300 123 8018."