THE thug who shot this kitten is being hunted by police.

The one-year-old white and tortoiseshell female cat was left with this horrific injury when it was hit by a lead pellet sometime between 10.30am and 3.30pm on Saturday.

During that time the cat was somewhere in the area bordered by Greensward Lane, Leamington Road and Harrogate Road in Hockley.

The owner, who asked not to be identified, said: “She had to receive emergency medical treatment at Medivets, in Hockley, who removed the pointed lead pellet which was the type used for hunting animals.

“We are immensely upset by this unprovoked attack and are appealing for anyone who witnessed this incident to please come forward.”

Rayleigh Police are investigating the incident and will be making door to door inquiries in the area.

A reward is being offered for any information leading to the successful prosecution of the gunman.

Pet owners are asked to be extra vigilant and report any use of any firearms to the police.

Anybody with any information should call Rayleigh Police on 0300 3334444, extension 490534 quoting incident number 922.