POLICE in Ringwood have teamed up with the RSPCA after two cats belonging to the same owner were shot with an airgun within months, leaving one seriously injured and the other dead.

Nischa, a two-year-old black cat, was shot by thugs a few weeks ago, and her devastated owner Susan Whyatt from Spittlefields had to have her put down.

The incident came after Mrs Whyatt’s grey cat Treacle was shot in September.

She said: “Treacle was shot through her chest and her lung, narrowly missing her heart.

“Fortunately she made a miraculous recovery but was poorly for a long time.

“But then Nischa was shot through the spleen in April. I found her in the bathroom and knew there was something wrong. When I touched her there was blood all over my hands.

“She was bleeding so badly inside that the vet said there was very little they could do to save her. Her brother Tango is desperate and keeps on looking for her.

“They were very affectionate and close with each other and this is heartbreaking.”

Specialist hunting air weapons are believed to have been used in the shootings.

Ringwood PC Claire Holmes said: “These two incidents clearly involve offences under air weapons legislation and also cruelty to animals legislation.

“I appeal for anyone to come forward with any information that will lead police to who is responsible for these very distressing and costly incidents for the owner of the cats.”

Treacle was shot on September 9 with the same type of air rifle pellet that killed Nischa. Treacle’s vet’s bill was more than £500.

A RSPCA spokesman said: “We are certainly very concerned to hear about these attacks and are offering to assist the police in any way we can.

“Airgun attacks of this kind are a callous and completely unnecessary act of cruelty. Pellets very rarely kill the cats outright - they normally suffer a long, lingering death, which is absolutely unacceptable.

“We would urge anyone with any information on this one to come forward on 0300 123 8018.”

If anyone has information about the incidents contact PC Holmes on 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.