By Q Radio News
A Derry-Londonderry pensioner has spoken of her shock and heartbreak after her beloved cat was shot 25 times with a pellet gun.
Seventy-nine-year-old Nellie McGinley from the Currynierin area of the city found her two-year-old cat Lucky bleeding and gravely injured at her gate on Wednesday night.
The pensioner rushed the cat to a nearby vets who, after x-raying the animal discovered 25 pellets inside it’s stomach and head.
The vet has said the animal is gravely ill and may not survive.
Nellie told QRadio she is praying her ‘best little friend’ survives......
A PSNI spokesperson said online "Officers have just spent time consoling a grandmother who found her wee cat with serious injuries.
"It is presently with the vet who has stated it has been shot with a pellet gun and has 25 pellets in its body. The cat would not go far from its home on the Tullymore Road."
"If you have any information that can help us find the despicable excuse of a human being that caused this then please ring 101."
It's unclear if the animal can be saved.
Neillie McGinley.
This is a very upsetting watch. Waterside pensioner Nellie McGinley's cat Lucky is fighting for life after being shot 25 times with a pellet gun. Nellie (79) told me she has been traumatised by the attack on her ‘best little friend’ and wants to know why they were targeted. pic.twitter.com/mHIwKIFrVk
— Leona O'Neill (@LeonaONeill1) 12 October 2018
Forensic accountants to examine projected NI Water overspend, Kimmins announces
Nine Northern Ireland schools targeted with threatening email thought to be hoax
Exhumed remains not those of Disappeared victim Joe Lynskey
King and Queen conclude three-day visit to Northern Ireland
Conor McGregor seeks to introduce new evidence in civil rape appeal case