The RSPCA is appealing for information after an owner found two of her cats had been shot with an air gun.

Sarah Fricker, of Richborough Road, Westgate, found ginger moggy Jasper 'moments from being dead' in April.

Last year her cat Suki was found to have been shot in the flank and had a damaged ilium a part of the pelvic bone.

During the X-ray Mrs Fricker's cats were found to have other shots in them indicating this may have happened before.

Jasper had a pellet lodged into his shoulder and Suki had three bullets in her body.

Mrs Fricker has since knocked on her neighbours' doors to make them aware this is happening and to encourage cat owners to be extra vigilant.

RSPCA inspector Deborah Pert said: “We want to hear from anyone in the local area who may have seen or heard anything which might help us find out what is happening here.

“This was obviously very upsetting for Sarah but we are pleased to hear her cats are recovering from their ordeal.

“Under the Animal Welfare Act, if someone is caught deliberately using an air weapon to injure an animal, they could face a £20,000 fine and/or up to six months in prison.”

Anyone with information about this attack can report it by calling the RSPCA inspectorate line on 0300 123 8018 and leaving a message for inspector Pert.