A dog walker discovered the body of a black cat, which is thought to have been shot, in Kelly Road, Ipswich this morning.

The woman found the cat on her return trip along the path between 7.30am and 8am.

Suffolk Constabulary is investigating the incident, and believe the cat was shot with a firearm, rather than air weapon.

The cat’s injuries are so extensive that it has not yet been possible to identify who it belongs to.

The Ipswich Missing Cats group, headed up by Deni Parkes, has offered a reward of £2,200 for information which leads to a successful prosecution over the case of extreme animal cruelty.

Mrs Parkes said: “This worries me, because if it was kids they would be more likely to hide it – but this was left out in the open.

“It is very frightening that someone is capable of that level of cruelty. If they are capable of that, what are they prepared to do for a laugh or a thrill?

“What will they do next?

“It must be very upsetting for its owner who is missing their cat, and for the woman who found it.

“We hope the reward will make anyone who knows anything think about this, and if they want to be associated with it.”

Mrs Parkes also urged pet owners to keep their cats indoors at night.

No similar incidents have been reported.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information should contact Ipswich South West Safer Neighbourhood Team quoting IW/15/1146 on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.