AN eight-month-old cat had to be put down after a metal pellet was found lodged in its spine.

Biscuit, a ginger tom cat, was found with severe injuries in a neighbours garden in York on Monday, March 18.

Upon discovery, Biscuit was taken to a veterinary practice who took an x-ray, and revealed a metal pellet 'lodged' within his spine.

Biscuit's owner Jennifer Kendrew of York said: “I just can’t believe that someone could do this.

“Biscuit was only eight months old, he was still just a kitten really, and was only just coming into himself.

“He was very much exploring the world, deciding on his favourite spots to sit and things to do. He liked to play, like kittens do, and made us laugh.

“We have lost cats on the road before and that’s awful, but you can understand it.

"The fact that someone would deliberately hurt Biscuit in this way is unbelievable.”

The Northern Echo:

The pellet extracted from the deceased kitten

On Thursday, March 21, the RSPCA confirmed Biscuit had been put to sleep on 'humane grounds.'

The animal welfare charity said Biscuit "could barely move" and was left paralysed from the hips down.

RSPCA inspector Thomas Hutton said: “Biscuit was in agony and could barely move when he was discovered so this incident has happened close to the area where he was found.

“This was a deliberate attack on a defenceless pet who suffered a great deal and ultimately lost his life, leaving his owners devastated."

  • Anyone with information is asked to contact the RSPCA appeal line on 0300-1238018 and should ask to leave a message for Mr Hutton.