Cat seriously injured after being shot with air rifle in Hertfordshire
Officers are appealing for information and witnesses
A cat has been seriously injured in Elstree, after being shot with an air rifle.
A pet owner, living in the Deacons Hill Road area, noticed their cat seemed unwell after it had been outside earlier in the day on Wednesday (14 April).
The next day, they took their cat to the vets where he was later admitted to an animal hospital.
X-rays were carried out and confirmed the cat had been shot, likely with an air rifle.
PC Darren Arbuthnott, from the Borehamwood and Elstree Safer Neighbourhood Team, said:
"Thankfully the cat is going to be ok but he suffered an infected spleen and stomach where the bullet travelled though.
"This incident has caused huge distress to the cat’s owner, not to mention a very expensive vet bill.
"We believe the cat must have been shot at some point during Wednesday (14 April) in the vicinity of Deacons Hill Road/Nicholas Road.
"Were you in the area?
"Did you see what happened or spot something unusual?
"If so, please get in touch.
"I’m also keen for any dash cam owners driving through the area at the time, to take a look at their footage and make contact if you spot something suspicious.
"Any information you have, no matter how small it might seem, could be vital to our investigation.
"Please get in touch by calling the non-emergency number 101 or email me at darren.arbuthnott@herts.pnn.police.uk quoting crime reference 41/28190/21."
Information can also be reported online or by speaking to an operator via online web chat.
Alternatively, stay 100 per cent anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.