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Cat shot at close range in Crich
A cat has died after being shot in the head from close range in a Derbyshire village.
Seven-year-old Claude, a ginger and white cat, left his home at Chadwick Nick Lane in Crich on Saturday August 29.
His worried owners began searching the village on Sunday after Claude failed to return home. They found Claude alive, but seriously wounded, at 5.30pm in a field at The Common in Crich.
Claude was rushed to the vet but his condition rapidly deteriorated and he died three hours later.
RSPCA inspector Dave McAdam said: "It seems that Claude was shot deliberately at very close range and was left to suffer by his attacker.
"This is a highly disturbing incident and it is extremely worrying that someone out there is capable of such cruelty.
"Owners should not have to worry about the safety of their cats when they go out so we need to find out who is behind this attack," added Mr McAdam.
The vet's investigations found Claude had been shot with an "air weapon" at close range.
The RSPCA, which is helping police with the investigation into the killing, thinks it likely Claude was shot during the night or on the early hours of Sunday morning.
Anyone found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal could face a maximum six-month prison sentence and 20,000 fine.
If you have information about the incident you should contact the RSPCA in confidence on 0300 1234 999 or Derbyshire police on 0345 1233 333.
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Friday 25 May 2012
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