THERE is absolutely no excuse for shooting a defenceless cat.

Yes, there are many ways that cats can be a nuisance – digging up gardens, killing birds and small animals, sneaking into homes to 'mark' their territory – but they are also treasured pets who bring much joy to their owners and, most importantly, they are fellow earthlings who feel pain and emotion.

If the man on today's front page did shoot Percy the cat, fatally injuring him, I hope that he feels genuine remorse.

He should consider the agony and fear that Percy suffered, and the heartbreak that the family who cared for him felt.

What is perhaps most worrying about this incident is that, having seen the CCTV images in which the suspect is walking along the street armed with what looks like a rifle, it would appear that this was a man who targeted Percy, rather than taking a pot-shot out of a window after seeing the cat in his garden.

If the police catch this man and he is found to be guilty, a prison sentence would be justified.

In recent weeks, there have been reports in the media on how most sentences for animal cruelty are too lenient.

Let's hope there are tougher sentences in place, to deter animal cruelty.