A cat which was shot in in the chest with an air rifle has died, despite efforts by vets to save him.

Chaucer, was shot near his home in Sutton at Hone.

His devastated owner, Andy Deakin said Chaucer was taken to a vet, but could not be saved.

Mr Deakin, said: "Our beautiful cat Chaucer who's sadly become another casualty of the uncontrolled use of air weapons.

"Despite the very best efforts of the veterinary team at MediVet, West Kingsdown, Chaucer passed away yesterday.

"We think he was injured in the vicinity of Watermill Way which backs onto Axtane Close and where he used to like hanging out.

"We've been backwards and forwards with the vets but only identified the cause after X - rays and we lost him during surgery due to a large abdomial abscess.

"The surgeon thinks he may have been shot a few weeks ago."

Mr Deakin took the 10-year-old cat in eight years ago and said he was never far from home.

He added: "Incidents such as this will continue from those wishing to cause harm to others unless controls are introduced on the sale and use of such weapons.

"I would encourage people to report such crimes and those suspected of committing them to Kent Police phone 101 or call the and RSPCA 0300 1234 999."

Escaped animals, unusual finds and news from the RSPCA can all be found here.

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