AN investigation has been launched after a cat that was a dying boy’s faithful companion was shot and had to be put down.

Henry Dancer, 12, of Cornsay Village, County Durham, died of terminal bone cancer last November.

His last days were brightened by the company of Ben, a cat of the Maine Coon breed that are noted for their size and intelligence.

Ben, a red tabby, had to be put down after he crawled home with a maggot infested wound after being shot.

Henry’s mother Jane Nattrass said: “Ben brought great joy to Henry and, while he did not know the severity of his illness, he got a lot out of having Ben around in his final months.

“He’d always wanted his own Maine Coon to name as he pleased.

“Sadly we lost Henry in November, but having Ben as part of our family has helped us move forward.

“He had such a great character and enjoyed going for walks with us and our other cats.

“He was very special to us. We know he’ll be up there sitting on Henry’s lap again.”

Ben went missing on Friday, August 19, and dragged himself home at about 6.30am on Sunday, August 21.

He was taken to the vets but was badly injured and had to be put down to end his suffering.

He was shot with a .22 rifle, a weapon that requires a licence.

Causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal such as a domestic cat is an offence under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and carries a maximum sentence of six months in prison and/or a £20,000 fine.

Mrs Nattrass, who plans to launch a charity in Henry’s memory next year, said she did not know if Ben had been mistaken for a fox and said that she did not know if the culprit would face justice.

RSPCA inspector Kaye Smith said: “This is such a heartbreaking story. What happened here caused a great deal of suffering to this cat, but also to the family that he was an extremely important part of.

“Cornsay is a very small and close-knit rural community – there are only 18 houses and two farms in the village – and we’re appealing for anyone who knows anything to get in touch.”

Anyone with information is asked to call the RSPCA on 0300-1234-999 and ask to leave a message.