AN ELDERLY cat has been put down after being shot and kicked in Cinderford.

Budley, a 17 year old, cat was shot in the hind leg and kicked until his ribs were broken and lungs were split between February 12 and 13.

The damage to Budley was irreparable and he had to be put down.

His owner, Claire Johnson, took to Facebook to share the news and try to put an end to this cruel treatment of animals.

She said: “He (Budley) wouldn’t wander far, in fact only in the carpark by the shop (on Edge Hills Road).

“Bud crawled his way home where I found him and called the vet.

“We are devastated as we have had him from eight weeks old and he was the most loyal, friendliest cat and a major part of the family.

“Someone somewhere must know something... let’s use the power of Facebook to stop this cruel treatment.”

A spokesperson for the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals said: “This sounds like an extremely upsetting incident for the owners of this poor cat.

“We understand the police are investigating - anyone with any information is urged to call the police or RSPCA cruelty and advice line in confidence on 0300 1234 999."