A RESIDENT of a York street said he fears for the his safety and the safety of animals in the area, after his cat was shot with an air rifle.

The man, who did not wish to be named, lives close to Orchard Gardens, off Huntington Road, and reported the shooting after he read a story in The Press last week about dozens of birds being shot and killed close to his home.

The man said his three-year-old cat had been wounded by an airgun at the end of November, and had to undergo an operation to remove the pellet, which had lodged under its skin.

“I just thought it was some crank who had fired one off, but it looks like it’s not just birds he’s shooting, but pets as well.”

Other residents have been distressed as the corpses of pigeons, magpies and seagulls have been left on their doorsteps and roofs, and police have been called to more than 12 times since last year, with the most recent incident happening on Friday.

Anyone with information which could assist police with their investigation should phone North Yorkshire Police on 101, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.