A cat with gunshot wounds was found starving and dazed by the side of a road near Ashford after being cruelly abandoned.

Bruce - a small, dark tabby - has been left with breathing difficulties as a result of his injuries and is in desperate need of veterinary help.

He was found dumped just before Christmas, and with the help of a local vet he survived.

But as no owner has come forward, Bruce is now in the care of the team at Happy Endings Rescue in Painters Forstal.

Now much-recovered, Bruce's true injuries have come to light and staff have discovered he has gunshot pellet wounds on his head and chest.

Chris Johns, cofounder of Happy Endings Rescue, said: "He has 10 shot pellets across his body and head.

"It seems someone aimed for his head. We just can't fathom how you can do this.

"He's such a happy, loving little cat, with a real character.

"We want him to make a full recovery."

The charity is now making an urgent appeal to raise £500 for Bruce to have an operation to improve his breathing and treat the shot wounds.

"We want to make him well so that he can go and have a happy new life," Chris added.

"Someone will be very lucky to have him in their home. If just 50 people donate £10, we can make this possible."

If you would like to aid Bruce's appeal, click here or email the Happy Endings Rescue team at info@happyendingsrescue.org.

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