Sharrie's furious owner has spoken out following his traumatic ordeal.

Eastern Daily Press: Sharrie is pictured looking happy and relaxed before his traumatic ordeal.Sharrie is pictured looking happy and relaxed before his traumatic ordeal. (Image: Submitted)

A cat has had its leg amputated after being shot in an unprovoked attack near its home.

Sharrie suffered a shattered shoulder blade during the drama close to Langham Road, Field Dalling, by Holt, after an air pellet pierced his chest, narrowly avoiding his lungs.

He managed to limp home and was rushed to the vets by his owners, the Goodale family, to save his life.

However, having undergone an operation on his leg, the petrified pet now faces a life of disability.

Brian Goodale said: 'The damage was so great that his left front leg had to be amputated. He now faces extensive aftercare and lifelong disability. In time he will adapt, but his previous life is gone for ever.'

Mr Goodale revealed police are investiating the incident which happened over the Bank Holiday weekend at the end of May and warned against any copy cat attacks.

'The police have classified the incident as criminal damage, issued a crime number, and asked for further incidents to be reported,' he explained.

'Cats are not required to be confined to their owner's property. A person found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to any animal can face a maximum six-month prison sentence or a £20,000 fine.

'The law is clear. You must not shoot a cat unless: (1) you are certain it is feral; (2) you are certain it will not suffer. If these conditions are not both met, you are committing an offence. Responsible gun websites agree. In practice, no one should shoot cats.'