A pet owner has been left devastated after her cat was shot with an airgun.
Distraught Veronica Fullford's six-year-old Byron was targeted by a gunman who is believed to have been aiming at his face.

The 58-year-old came home from work to find the moggy lying in her garden in Tatler Close, Lordswood, covered in blood.

Assuming he had been involved in a car accident, Miss Fullford was shocked when an X-ray revealed he actually had a pellet lodged in his neck.

From the angle the pellet hit Byron's body, near to his left ear, vets believe the shooter was aiming at his face.

Miss Fullford, a social services worker, said: "How could they shoot at Byron's pretty little face? I can't believe anyone would do that."

After spending five nights at a Gillingham veterinary surgery, Byron is still in a serious condition, but recovering at home.

Vets have decided not to remove the pellet, which has affected Byron's nervous system.

His front and back legs have been severely weakened, meaning they buckle, and he might never be able to go outside again.

Miss Fullford, who now fears for the safety of her other two cats, said: "I'm absolutely appalled because it was deliberate. It is quite scary to think there is someone out there taking potshots at animals.

"I can't understand the mentality of someone who thinks it's an acceptable thing to do to another living creature."

Police are appealing for witnesses to the shooting, sometime during Monday, September 5.

PC Debbie Trowell said: "I would encourage anyone who knows about this incident or knows of people using pellet guns in this way to contact Kent Police immediately."

Anyone with information is asked to phone police on 01622 690690 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.