A SNIPER targeting animals has been described as "sick" by pet owner Joyce Sewell.

Her three cats, named Boy, Sparkles and Splinter, were shot at by a hidden gunman and hit by airgun pellets near their home in Manston Road, Ramsgate.

Mrs Sewell said: "The cats survived but they were lucky. Whoever did this is the lowest of the low. Animals are easy targets and it is appalling that someone would prey on defenceless creatures."

The family discovered their pets had been hurt after returning from a weekend away.

She said: "Boy came in that evening looking sluggish but we thought he was sulking at us being away. When we saw Splinter, we found a puncture wound in his neck and then later on we realised that Sparkles was hiding from us in the kitchen.

"We took all three of them to the clinic where they were thoroughly x-rayed and their wounds became obvious. We were advised against them being operated upon because it would be so traumatic. Instead, they have been given a 10 day course of antibiotics and, all being well, they will make a good recovery.

"I urge any pet owners in our area to be on their guard and to report any incidents to the RSPCA. I hope the snipe doesn’t strike again."

The RSPCA says it would prosecute anybody in connection with the shootings.