A CAT was left needing surgery after being shot with an air rifle in Verwood.

On Sunday evening (June 2) the cat returned to the family home in Hainault Drive with injuries and was taken to the vet.

It had to undergo surgery.

Dorset Police say an x-ray was taken by the vet who believes an air weapon was used as pellets were found lodged in her body.

The cat is expected to make a full recovery.

Police Community Support Investigator Kayleigh Hole, of Dorset Police, said: “The cat’s owner does not know of any reason why someone would want to harm her cat or who may have been responsible. She has understandably been left very upset by what has happened.

“I would urge anyone who has any information or knows the identity of the person or people involved to please contact Dorset Police. “

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk, or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55190084115.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.