A cat had to be put down after being shot with a pellet gun.

Doodles, 10, was shot four times between 9.30amand11.30am on Wednesday, June 28 in Croxley Green.

The black and white cat returned to its home in Owens Way before the owners took the pet to the vets.

The X-ray showed that the cat had been shot and police are now appealing for witnesses.

PC Paresha Maniar of Hertfordshire Constabulary said: "Although the cat lived with its family in Owens Way, Doodles could have been anywhere in the local vicinity when she was shot.

“News of this incident will understandably leave other cat owners in the area concerned about the safety of their own pets.

“However, please keep in mind that there have been no other recent incidents of cat shootings in Croxley Green and we are working hard to identify those responsible for this incident,”

Anyone with information or who may know the culprit is asked to contact the police on 101 or to contact Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or visiting www.crimestoppers-uk.org.