On 27/04/2024 at around 20:30 a resident from Lothersdale returned home to find their cat injured by their rear gate. 

The cat was taken to a vets who found a small metal ball-bearing embedded in the animal's back which had caused heavy damage to it's spine. Unfortunately, due to the level of injury, the cat had to be put to sleep.

The ball-bearing is suspected to have been fired from either a catapult or BB Gun and is believed to have occurred between 19:00 - 20:30.

We are aware of an emerging trend in which people are creating sickening videos wherein they are hurting animals and posting them on social media platforms.

If anyone in the vicinity has any relevant information or CCTV then please contact Staffs Police on 101 or via the online form or Live Chat at www.staffordshire.police.uk quoting incident 0079 of 28/04/2024.

Alternatively you can report anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or www.crimestopper-uk.org