A CAT, two foxes and a badger have been killed in suspected 'lamping' attacks, when hunters use bright lights to shoot animals at night.

The RSPCA was called in after a cat owner found his dead pet with gunshot wounds in a field at Kingston St Mary beside the body of a fox that had also been shot.

Police have also been informed.

Glyn Harris, who was devastated to find the body of his six-year-old tabby Osky, said: "I really hope the people who did this can be caught.

“They’ve taken a member of our family - it’s disgusting.

“I often see roe deer out of my window - are they safe?

"And these people are shooting across footpaths and near houses. I’m worried about the safety of residents too.”

RSPCA inspector John Pollock said tyre tracks marks were discovered in the field near the bodies after Osky was shot.

Insp Pollock said: "Mr Harris believes he heard shots at around 10pm on Thursday, September 1, in the fields behind his home and wonders if this is when Osky was killed.

“It’s devastating for any pet owner to think someone may have intentionally killed your beloved animal.”

He added that a dead badger and the body of another fox were also found in the same area just a few weeks before, prompting fears people may be targeting animals deliberately in incidents of lamping.

Insp Pollock added: “I’m appealing to anyone with any information about what may have happened here to get in touch with us by calling our appeal line on 0300-1238018.

“We would also like to remind people that the penalties faced if caught deliberately using a gun to injure an animal can be up to six months in prison and/or a £20,000 fine, if found guilty under the Animal Welfare Act.”

*An RSPCA spokesman said: "The shooting of animals is strictly regulated by legislation and it is only lawful in certain circumstances and targeting certain species.

"However, many people undertake lamping without the appropriate training, equipment and without the landowner’s permission which can lead to serious injury, suffering or death to wildlife and pets.

"The RSPCA takes reports of incidents of lamping very seriously and will investigate where possible."