A cat owner has described her horror at finding her beloved pet almost dead after being shot in the chest.
Police investigating the shock shooting in the Highland village of Fort Augustus yesterday appealed for witnesses to the daytime terror.
Leanne Milne, 32, rushed 10-month-old Milly to the veterinary clinic after discovering the cat bleeding on her doorstep at Abertarff Place on Thursday afternoon.
She said the incident comes after a number of other cats have mysteriously disappeared or been poisoned in the picturesque Loch Ness-side village.
Mrs Milne, who has two other cats, said: “I believe someone is carrying out a vendetta against cats in Fort Augustus.
“I don’t know who has done it, but they must live nearby as Milly would not have been able to walk far in her state.
“She was shot in the chest and the vet said she was lucky to be alive as the pellet was lodged near to her lungs and other vital organs.
“Milly has thankfully pulled through, which is extremely lucky.
“There has been a spike in cat disappearances in the area recently. You wonder whether the person responsible is killing the animals and disposing of them.”
She added: “The worry is that we live in a residential area and a firearm has been discharged in a public place during the day, which could place children in danger.
“I am pleased the police are treating it seriously and hope they will be able to trace the person responsible from the pellet that was removed from Milly.”
A Police Scotland spokesman said: “Police are currently investigating an incident where a cat was found injured in the Abertarff Place area of Fort Augustus.
“We were made aware on Thursday and inquiries are ongoing.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
