POLICE are appealing for information after a cat had to have her leg amputated following a suspected shooting in Hartley Wintney, near Odiham.

According to police, the cat returned home on Tuesday, May 9, with a significant injury to one of her rear legs, consistent with being shot. The cat is now recovering with her owners.

In urging anyone with information about what may have happened to the cat to come forward, PC Vincent Lane, of Hampshire Constabulary’s Country Watch team, said: “This would appear to have been an isolated incident, as neither we nor the local veterinary practice have received reports of similar incidents around this time.

“It is possible that the cat was mistaken for a rabbit and was accidently shot at on agricultural land.

“Whether this was accidental or intentional, we are keen to find out more about what happened.”

Anyone with information about the incident should call the police on 101, quoting reference number 44170181982.