A THUG who shot a young cat at close range through the eye with an air rifle has been branded an "irresponsible lunatic".

The pet, which is in the care of the Feline Rescue charity, had to have the eye surgically removed after being shot in Breightmet.

A pellet had entered the cat's face above the right eye, gone straight through the eye and then lodged in the cheek bone.

The cat, named Ginger, had been staying at the home of Judith Smith of Feline Rescue, while she tried to find him a home.

He went out through the cat flap early Sunday evening, but returned with his face covered in blood.

Judith said: "This week we have had the news about people having to hand in their handguns. Personally I would have thought the more irresponsible lunatics were those with air rifles.

"So many of these young idiots have air rifles. Anyone who could wilfully do such a thing to a friendly cat you have to worry about.

"The cat will be fine. Fortunately cats have remarkable powers of recovery. But he is now disabled and has been through a great deal of pain.

"He is only about 18 months old and very loveable.

Judith is still desperately looking to find Ginger a home. Anyone able to help can telephone her on 415320.

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