A DISTRESSED cat owner has told of how her pet has been so badly injured after being shot with an air gun that she may die.

Two-year-old Lily was found to have been shot after appearing unwell when she returned to her home in Beaverdyke in Rawcliffe on Wednesday morning.

Vets found that Lily - who usually stays close to her home - had been shot with an air gun and the pellet had pierced her bowel.

Following an emergency operation she is now fighting for her life.

Her owner, who asked not to be named, said: "She is currently so ill she might die at any minute.

"Whoever has done this has done it on purpose - there was an intention to kill her or cause her some harm.

"I'm so distressed by it. I have two other cats and I'm petrified to let them out.

"People who start off doing something like this and harming animals often end up doing something much worse.

"I would appeal to anyone with information to get in touch with the police."

On the same day, Lily's owner was also told another cat had been found dead on a nearby driveway and had been taken away by the council but the cause of its death was not known.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call North Yorkshire Police on 101.