TWO cats from the same house in Chinnor near Thame have been shot with air weapons.

In the latest incident, a 16-month-old black cat called Bobbi was shot during the weekend of June 13 and 14, the RSPCA said yesterday.

Owner Lisa Hawes, from Lower Icknield Way, noticed a lump on the pet’s back leg and took her to the vet, who realised there was a pellet under the skin.

The cat was operated on and is now recovering.

In an earlier incident, Bobbi’s sister Roxy was hit in the front leg by an air pellet on New Year’s Eve, which also had to be removed.

She said: “I am worried that if the cats are shot again, they may suffer head injuries or equally serious wounds.

“Someone may be trying to keep the cats away from their gardens, but there are better ways of doing this and they should realise that they are causing a great deal of pain and distress.”

RSPCA inspector Martin Rivett said: “It is illegal and unacceptable to shoot at animals, whatever the reasons for it.

“We have seen cats suffer extremely serious injury and even death after being shot by air weapons and this needs to stop now.”

Anyone with information about the attacks should contact the RSPCA in confidence on 0300 1234999.

Those found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal could face a maximum six-month prison sentence and a £20,000 fine, or the fine.