RSPCA investigate as second cat in a month shot with airgun in Moorlands Avenue, Barnet

The cat was shot by an airgun in Moorlands Avenue, Barnet, at around 4pm on July 12.

Her owner found her in the street and noticed blood, taking her immediately to the vet who operated after finding a pellet in her shoulder.

RSPCA DCI Nicole Broster, who is investigating the incident, said: "I am extremely concerned as this is the second cat shooting incident in this area recently, it occurred only a couple of miles from the first cat shooting in Cranfield Drive on June 15.

"These are deliberate acts of cruelty and I am certain that whoever has done this is purposefully trying to inflict pain and suffering upon these poor animals."

The pellet removed from the cat's shoulder

DCI Broster urged cat owners in the area to be vigilant and contact the RSPCA or police if they see anything suspicious.

She continued: "Thankfully despite the suffering she has experienced, this second little cat has survived but the first cat did not and was sadly found dead in the street.

"We believe the first to have been shot at close range, or by a powerful gun and after a previous appeal we were able to contact her owners and let them know what had happened."

In the first six months of 2017 the RSPCA received more than 470 calls about airgun incidents, which is 15 more calls than the same period in 2016.

The police have been informed of the crime and the penalties for deliberately using an airgun to injure an animal can be up to six months in prison and/or a £20,000 fine if found guilty under the Animal Welfare Act.

Anyone with information is asked to call the RSPCA appeal line on 0300 123 8018.