THIS is the devastating impact that a single pellet fired from an air rifle had on a family pet.

Toby, an eight-year-old white cat, had to have his front left leg amputated after the shot shattered his bone and fractured it up to his shoulder.

Owner Georgina Hoult, of Slade Lane, Mobberley, is offering a reward for any information that leads to an arrest and is hoping what happened acts as a warning about the dangers of airguns.

She said: “We’re heartbroken for him. Toby is such an active little thing and this is going to diminish what he’s able to do.

“I’m angry that someone’s been so callous and cruel.”

Toby went out on Thursday morning and did not return for 24 hours.

His owner said he often hunts mice at Spring Bank field and so it is thought he may have been shot there and then had to hobble home.

Georgina added: “We want this picture to show the damage one pellet can do and you don’t need a licence for an airgun.

“It could be a moment of stupidity but whoever’s done this needs to see the consequences of their actions. How can anyone be so cruel? I hope whoever’s done it doesn’t harm any other animals or even move on to hurt people.”

Toby returned home on Friday morning when Georgina noticed blood on his head and leg. The damage was so severe she thought he had been run over. He then had his operation at Ark Veterinary Surgery.

Georgina said: “It was shocking to see him like that, but I was more concerned about him. Everyone who has seen him has burst into tears. It’s such a tragedy he had to go through this.”

Sgt Andy Miller said: “We will not tolerate animal cruelty of any kind. We will be investigating this matter, and appeal to anyone with any information about the incident to come forward.”

Toby holds a special place in Georgina’s family as he replaced her first cat Cookie who was hit by a car eight years ago.

His 14 stitches will be taken out on Monday, and in the meantime the housebound moggie is jealous of Georgina’s other cats Smudge, six, and Tess, 11.

“Every time we open the door for the other cats he wobbles over and sits by the door longingly,” said Georgina.

If you have information about what happened to Toby, contact Georgina on 0771 663 2513 or e-mail whoshottoby@gmail.com.