SICK thugs shot this defenceless cat in the spine leaving her to drag herself across the road to safety using just her front legs.Today a cats protection worker is desperately seeking the owner of the cat which has had to undergo vital surgery as she may have to be put down.

SICK thugs shot this defenceless cat in the spine leaving her to drag herself across the road to safety using just her front legs.

Today a cats protection worker is desperately seeking the owner of the cat which has had to undergo vital surgery as she may have to be put down.

The injured black cat was discovered by an Ipswich Cats Protection volunteer worker as it tried to drag itself out of the road.

Covered in blood, the terrified cat was at first thought to have been hit by a car.

But after an emergency examination by a vet it was revealed the animal had been shot at - and an airgun pellet was found lodged near its spine.

The cat was found in Howe Avenue at 10.30pm on Thursday.

Heather Collinson, a vet at the Smith and Ryder-Davies vet's practice in Woodbridge Road said it was likely the cat would have to be put down.

She said: "This is absolutely appalling. I do not understand why people need air rifles and need to shoot a cat.

"We don't see many deliberate injuries and ordinarily air gun pellets usually lodge somewhere that causes no harm but this cat has been unlucky as it has gone into the spine.

"She cannot walk and she has no bladder control.

"She is in some pain but we are keeping it under control."

Furious Judy Mills, of Ipswich Cats Protection, said she was disgusted that someone could shoot at what was obviously a much-loved pet.

She said: "Why do they do it? Why is it necessary? It is someone taking a pot shot at a cat.

"It makes me really angry, there is just no need for this, a cat is a sitting target."

The shooting is the second time a cat has been targeted in Ipswich in as many weeks.

Last week The Star reported how Tiger, a tomcat belonging to St Thomas church had narrowly escaped being killed after being shot at in Bramford Lane, Ipswich.

Then, two shotgun pellets were found lodged in Tiger's leg and Mrs Mills said she fears there could now be a trend for gun irresponsible gun owners to target animals.

She said: "We could have two people out there who think it is clever to shoot at animals."

In the last 12 months, RSPCA figures reveal that 91 cats and 16 dogs in England and Wales have been found to have been shot with airguns, and two cats and seven dogs have been reported to have shotgun wounds.

The cat, who is thought to be between two and eight-years-old was wearing a distinctive collar and Mrs Mills has asked for anyone who thinks it may be their pet to contact her on 01473 690084 and describe the collar to identify the cat.

Opinion - see page 6.