We are appealing for information after a cat was found with an airgun shot wound on 12 March.

The cat was found in Brightons, Falkirk, and handed in to a local vet by a member of the public.

Inspector Mairi Wright said, “The cat was a five-year-old, neutered male tabby cat.

“He was mostly black with brown stripes, and a dark coloured stomach.

“He was found with a shot wound in his lower abdomen, which turned out to be an airgun pellet.

“Alongside this he had other extensive injuries such as a badly fractured leg, bruising and bleeding.

“He was screaming in pain on arrival at the vets.

“Every effort was made to stabilise this cat but unfortunately, his condition was so poor that he had to be put to sleep on welfare grounds.

“We are concerned this cat was potentially targeted.

“If anyone has any information on how the cat sustained these injuries they can contact our confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999.”