A COMMUNITY project to help save a cat from being put down after it was shot has launched in Poole.

Thomas the cat was initially thought to have been run over on Blandford Road on Sunday night after he was found injured in a neighbour's bush. However, his owners have recently discovered the cat was shot in his head and chest.

An appeal has now been made on a crowdfunding website to fund the veterinary treatment Thomas needs; otherwise, he may have to be put down.

The appeal says: "He managed to drag himself into a next door neighbour's bush, where he was found a couple of hours later.

"Unfortunately, Thomas was not insured and has currently racked up emergency vet costs of over £400.

"Thomas isn't just a cat, he is part of the family and loved by everyone."

The appeal went on to say the costs of any further treatment would be "financially hard" for the family and Thomas may have to be put down due to the "painstaking veterinary bills" the family will have to meet.

To find out more and to make a contribution to the appeal visit the website here.