AN AREA of Wootton Bassett has seen five cats shot in the last six months.

Incidents in the last week have left two cats needing extensive veterinary care.

Sergeant Andy Fortune, of Wootton Bassett police, said: "Five cats have been shot in the Elm Park area, and we are investigating.

The RSPCA is also involved."

Patricia Hacker's cat Tabs was shot last week.

Mrs Hacker, 42, of Elm Park, said: "These people are absolute saddos. They're sick.

"My eight-year-old daughter is absolutely devastated."

Eleven-month-old Tabs didn't turn up for breakfast last Wednesday.

Mrs Hacker said: "When she hobbled in later she was bleeding from her side.

"We took her to the vet and her lung had some kind of trauma."

Tabs then had to spend five days at the vet's undergoing treatment.

Mrs Hacker said: "The pellet is still in her chest and she is having antibiotics and anti-inflammatory injections every 48 hours.

"She's on the mend but is an absolute nervous wreck."

She said that her neighbour's cat had also been shot last week and may not survive.

Anyone with any information should contact WPC Tracy Hoffman, of Wootton Bassett police on 01793 852213 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.