Police are hunting a suspected cat killer after an animal was shot by an air-rifle just metres from his home in Priestwood.

Six-year-old Norman was wounded in the chest behind a house in Hart Close, Bracknell between 7pm and 8pm on Friday, July 14.

He luckily survived - but the appalling incident comes after a number of reports of suspicious cat deaths around Bracknell. 

Owner of the injured cat, Fiona Whelan said that she cannot believe how someone could be so ‘cruel and heartless’ to hurt such a defenceless animal.

“It’s just sheer luck that we managed to get him to an emergency vet in time and it didn’t hit any major organs. The attack was in broad daylight behind our house where there are a set of garages.

“This is so worrying because it is a residential area where there are kids running around and people walking on the street.

“From the x-rays and examination, we are able to see that this was not an accident. It was an intentional clean shot through his chest. It’s just so sickening.”

Norman was discovered when the family arrived back after an hour long walk with their dogs. Having dragged himself into the house, the cat was apparently hiding upstairs out of sight.

Fiona added: “It was a complete bloodbath. When we walked in the front door all we seen was a puddle of blood and a trail coming from the back door.

“We knew that our neighbour’s cat had been killed the week prior and as soon as we seen the wound it was clear what happened, and the vet confirmed it in the x-ray.

“This was a clean shot to his chest. Somebody was aiming at him and there is no doubt about that and it’s just sheer luck that he didn’t die.”

According to a vet’s examination, this injury was caused by a air rifle shot fired from above and is thought to be from an upstairs window or on the roof of the nearby garages.

Alongside the shooting in the same area, Fiona has been contacted by other residents who have either heard of or been the victim of a cat shooting.

She aims to make people aware of the situation to prevent further incidents and hopefully catch the person committing these crimes.

Considered criminal damage in the eye’s of the law, this is being taken very seriously by officers at Thames Valley Police.

After reporting the shooting on Friday evening, a Thames Valley Police spokesman said: “Anyone with information should call 101 or make a report on our website, quoting reference number 43230313520.

“Alternatively, provide information anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or via its website.”