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A CAT has died after being shot in the spine with an air rifle in West Moors, in what the RSPCA has described as an unbelievably cruel' attack.

Mandy Hart, the owner of Pepsi, a four-year- old black cat, was distraught at having to put the injured animal down.

Vet Nick Thomas of Cedar Vets, who had been treating Pepsi, said that she was taken to Bedfordshire for further specialised tests, which revealed she had lost the sensation in her back legs.

Pepsi's Forest Road home backs on to woodland, where it is believed the attack may have taken place.

Her owners have been left with no clues as to who may have carried it out.

Mandy, 37, adopted Pepsi from the Cats Protection League three years ago.

Mrs Hart said: "We are all very shocked and upset, especially my 14-year-old daughter, as Pepsi was very much her cat.

"An accident would be difficult enough to deal with, but it is heartbreaking to think that people in society could deliberately do something like this."

RSPCA inspector Graham Hammond is urging people with any information on the attack to contact them or the police.

He said: "Causing an animal to suffer unnecessarily in this way is unbelievably cruel.

"Air pellet entry wounds are especially difficult to detect by the untrained eye and, sadly, not all incidents are reported to us or witnessed.

"We would like to remind people that the law has changed, and it is now illegal for anyone under 18 years of age to have an airgun in their possession without supervision."

Anyone with information can call the RSPCA's Cruelty and Information Line on 0300 1234 999 and leave a message for Inspector Graham Hammond.

Calls are treated in strictest confidence.

2:46pm Thursday 1st May 2008

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