A CAT in Dalgety Bay was maimed and left with near fatal injuries after a brutal attack.

The cat, Colonel, returned home to owner Heidi Woods on Friday morning after having gone missing for three days.

Colonel suffered a dislocated pelvis after it was suspected that he was swung by the tail by thugs. Colonel also sustained a puncture wound where it is believed he was shot with an air rifle.

He is now on intravenous painkillers and is waiting for an operation to have his tail amputated.

Scottish SPCA Chief Superintendent Mike Flynn said: "It is truly appalling that animals such as Colonel are being targeted and caused such pain and suffering. Disturbingly, some people seem to think it is fun to maim and kill defenceless animals and this is completely unacceptable in a modern, civilised society.

"Thankfully, the majority of people regard cruelty towards animals as unacceptable and unthinkable but there is a minority of people out there who think it's acceptable to treat cats in particular like rubbish.

"Because of their free-roaming nature, cats are often subjected to cruelty and ill-treatment at the hands of complete strangers.

“They are the primary target for malicious airgun attacks and we have seen countless cases this year of cats coming into our care with severe injuries after being shot with an airgun, often losing a limb, or their life, as a result of the damage caused.”

A reward is being offered by Miss Woods and her partner to anyone who comes forward with information.

Anyone with information is being asked to contact the Scottish SPCA animal helpline on 03000 999 999. Calls are in strict confidence and can be made anonymously.