Police are on the hunt for a cat killer who shot a family pet in a “sickening” attack.

The cat was found in the Hopetoun Drive area of Bridge of Allan, Stirling, at around 12pm on Friday.

It was taken to a vet for treatment but died.

Police Scotland has launched an investigation and believes an air weapon was used in the attack.

Inspector Andy Bushell said: “This was a sickening act that caused the death of a family pet and our thoughts are with the cat’s owners.

“Cats are legally protected from cruelty and this offence potentially also breaches the terms of being a licensed weapon holder so it is vital that we find who was responsible.”

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Inspector Bushell is urging all those with information to come forward.

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He added: “We would also like to speak to anyone with information about any other similar incidents in the area.”

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