Steyning cat shot by air rifle

When Ernie returned to his home in Chanctonbury Ring Road in Wiston, near Steyning at around 5pm, owner Ben Foord immediately spotted a nasty wound in his neck, and rushed the two-year-old cat to the vets.

He received treatment involving removal of the pellet, and fortunately, Ernie survived.

Inspector Kate Barnes of the RSPCA said: “This is a very concerning incident and is extremely traumatic for both Ernie and his owner.

“At the moment we know very little about when and why this has happened, and who shot poor Ernie.

“We urge anybody with any information to come forward.”

She added: “Ernie must have suffered terribly, but in some ways he had a lucky escape. Many cats shot in this way are fatally wounded and do not survive.”

Anyone with further information about this incident can call the RSPCA inspector appeal line in complete confidence on 0300 123 8018.

The RSPCA is a charity that relies on public donations to exist. To assist the inspectors in carrying out their vital work, text HELP to 78866 to give £3 (Texts cost £3 plus one standard network rate message).

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1) Make our website your homepage

2) Like our Facebook page

3) Follow us on Twitter

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

Always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.