A cat had to be put to sleep after being shot with an airgun.
The five-year-old neutered male tabby was also suffering from a fractured leg, bruising and bleeding when he was discovered by a member of the public in Brightons, Falkirk, on March 12.
The Scottish SPCA has now launched an investigation into the incident.
Inspector Mairi Wright said: “He was found with a shot wound in his lower abdomen, which turned out to be an airgun pellet.
“Alongside this he had other extensive injuries such as a badly fractured leg, bruising and bleeding.
“He was screaming in pain on arrival at the vets.
“Every effort was made to stabilise this cat, but unfortunately his condition was so poor that he had to be put to sleep on welfare grounds.
“We are concerned this cat was potentially targeted.”
If you have any information as to how the cat sustained these injuries, call the Scottish SPCA’s confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999.
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