The RSPCA and Surrey Police have launched an investigation after a cat lost an eye after being shot in an airgun attack in Walton.

Lucy, a three-year-old white and black moggy, was believed to have been perched on her owner’s garden shed in Bowes Road on September 9 when she was shot at by a pellet gun.

She was rushed to the vets by owner Natalie Kennefick, where vets were forced to remove her eye.

Ms Kennefick said: “She is back at home and she is doing well. She’s just trying to get used to life without her eye.

“At least we still have her - she was lucky to survive. Unfortunately, the pellet is still lodged there so we have to hope it doesn’t cause any more problems in the future.”

Ms Kennefick contacted the RSPCA the next week and an investigation has been launched.

Inspector Jo Bowling said: “This poor cat has suffered an horrendous injury at the hands of someone very irresponsible with a potentially deadly weapon.

“The injuries caused to cats and wildlife by attacks using air guns and pellet guns are horrific and can often be fatal.

“If anyone knows what happened to poor Lucy in this case then I’d urge them to get in touch by calling the RSPCA inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018.

“We are calling for tighter controls with better education and explanation of the law when buying an air gun and that everyone must receive basic safety training before being allowed to walk out of the shop.

“We would also like to remind people that the penalties faced if caught deliberately using an air gun to injure an animal can be up to six months in prison and/or a £20,000 fine if found guilty under the Animal Welfare Act.”

A Surrey Police spokesman said: “Surrey Police received reports of an injured cat in Bowes Road in Walton on Friday 9 September.

“The cat had a significant injury to its eye which resulted in the eye being surgically removed.

“Neighbourhood PCSOs have been carrying out house-to-house enquiries to establish the circumstances surrounding this incident.

“They are urging anybody who witnessed what happened or with any information to contact Surrey Police quoting: 45160080562.”

No arrests have been made.