CAT owners in Dursley were forced to put down their beloved pet after it was shot in the spine by a pellet gun at close range. 

On Saturday, March 28, between the hours of 12.30pm and 2.15pm, a member of the public found a black and white cat injured in Frederick Thomas Road, Dursley. 

It was initially believed that the cat had been hit by a car. 

The vet was called and upon examination it was discovered that the cat had an air pellet lodged in its spine.  It had been shot at close range and consequently lost the use of its back legs. 

Due to the severity of the injury it was necessary to put the cat down. 

Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident and to anyone who has further information. 

Please call 101 quoting crime reference number 6975/15 if you know of anything that may be helpful to police.