Cat 'riddled with pellets' after being shot several times by heartless thugs

Anger has been expressed after a cat was used as 'target practice' in a south Derry town. The ginger Tom cat, called Peachy, was brought to Glenshane Vets in Maghera after being shot several times by a pellet gun. It is understood the 15 year-old pet was targeted in Castledawson. Staff at the vets took to social media site Facebook to share x-rays (pictured above) of the cat's injuries. A post on their page read: "Just incredibly shocking how cruel some people can be. This lovely 15 year old ginger Tom cat was shot with a gun. "Several pellets as you can see (white spots) all over his body, and a very concentrated (targeted) area around his elbow. "This happened in the Castledawson area. Just unbelievable that this lovely boy was used for target practice." Sorry to get your Saturday off to a disgusting start, but again we are all faced with the question "when will it ever stop?" A spokesperson from Northern Ireland says "NO" to Animal Cruelty, appealed for information on the attack. "Here is a story about some horrid, detestable people who decided that Peachy, a 15 year old cat, was actually a moving target and riddled him with pellets. Peachy is doing well after treatment but that does not excuse the sick, twisted mindset," read a post on their Facebook page. "How dare anyone think they can just abuse a living creature for their amusement. It's hard not to enjoy the image of the same thing happening to them, but we have to pride ourselves on not having that mindset. "If you know anything about this case, or hear any bragging in the Castledawson area about being sociopaths, then please contact the local PSNI." It is understood Peachy is now recovering well following treatment.