Police have joined the Scottish SPCA in investigating the death of a family’s cat in Aberdeenshire after it was found riddled with shotgun pellets last week.
The pet was discovered severely injured at around 1am on September 19, close to Fettercairn cemetery.
At first, the dog walker who found the black cat believed it had been hit by a car and took it to its owner.
But when the latter had their pet checked over by a vet, it was quickly established the animal had been fired at with a shotgun.
A total of 34 pellets were seen in an X-ray, and the wounds were so serious the decision was made to put the cat down.
Last week, the Scottish SPCA launched an investigation into the incident due to concerns the shooting had been deliberate.
And yesterday, police confirmed they too had commenced inquiries.
A police spokesman said: “This abhorrent act is both illegal and inhumane, and we are actively pursuing all lines of inquiry.
“If anyone can help with our inquiry, we would urge them to call 101 in confidence.”
Scottish SPCA inspector Karen Cooper added: “The male black cat was found by a dog walker on a path west of Fettercairn, close to the cemetery.
“We are concerned this was a deliberate attempt to injure or kill a cat, which is a criminal offence.
“We are keen to find out what happened.”
