A FAMILY was left devastated when their much-loved cat had to be put to sleep after it was shot with an air gun.

Todd Sothcott said his two daughters, Lilybeth, aged 10, and Esme, aged 12, were distraught after Teddy, pictured, was put down just a few weeks before Christmas.

The 48-year-old said: “He came home on the Friday and he wasn’t very well so we took him to the vets.

“It turns out he had been shot in the stomach with an air rifle. The kids are distraught. It was my youngest daughter’s birthday on Monday and this just ruined it for her. They were so upset.”

The five-year-old tabby underwent an operation, which cost the family £500, but it was unsuccessful and the vet said putting him to sleep was the kindest option.

Mr Sothcott, whose other cat Luka was also shot by an air rifle two years ago, said he fears several pets in the area have been targeted by callous criminals. He said: “In the summer of 2012 our other cat Luka was shot by an air rifle in the back of his neck.

“We took him to the vets and fortunately he was fine.

“In the last three months we have heard of one other cat being killed by an air rifle pellet and lots of cats going missing.

“We just want to make people aware of this so they can keep an eye out.”

A spokesman from Dorset Police said officers were investigating the incident, which is believed to have happened sometime between 11am and 7pm on Friday, December 5.

PC Iain Fryett, pictured, of Bournemouth Police, said: “This was a very upsetting experience for the family, who have lost their treasured pet just before Christmas.

“I am appealing to anyone who may know who was responsible for this crime to contact me in confidence on 101 quoting incident number 6:127.”

Witnesses can also call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.