Bobbi, a 16-month-old black cat and her sister, Roxy, have both been shot at with air pellets.

The most recent attack happened over the weekend of June 13 and 14 when owner Lisa Hawes noticed a lump on Bobbi's back leg. After inspection, the vet realised there was a pellet under the skin, which required an operation to remove.

On New Year's Eve, Roxy was targeted by an unknown gunman and hit in the front leg by an air weapon pellet, which also had to be removed.
Speaking about their ordeal, Mrs Hawes said: "I am shocked and appalled and upset. I have lived in this village for 26 years and I am at a loss completely.

"Where we live is a built-up area with houses all around us. I would hate to think that it's someone just trying to frighten them out of their garden.

"We have no incidences of people shooting air rifles, but my cats are so timid they wouldn't go near people.

"I am worried that if the cats are shot again they may suffer head injuries or equally serious wounds. Someone may be trying to keep the cats away from their gardens, but there are better ways of doing this and they should realise they are causing a great deal of pain and distress."

Anyone with information about the attacks should contact the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999.

For the full story see this week's Thame Gazette, out now.