A CAT used up one of its nine lives after surviving being shot in the back.

Tess, a five-year-old neutered Tom, was discovered crying in pain under a bush in its owners' garden in Little Bridge Court, Pity Me, Durham City.

The animal has undergone three operations and is now recovering back home with its owners.

Police say Tess is believed to have been shot with a high velocity rifle on nearby waste ground and are appealing for witnesses of the incident, which happened between 10am on Saturday, September 28, and 10am the following day, to come forward.

Owner Olwyn Plant said: "We don't know exactly what happened. We found him with a horrible wound on his back and down the side of his face.

"The vets, Dunelm Veterinary Practice at Gilesgate, have been great.

"He looks like the Frankenstein cat. He has lots of stitches and a big hole in his back.

"It is bad enough our cat has suffered but it is worrying when you look at the wider picture. A person could have been hit.

"It is a very popular area for people walking dogs and children riding their bikes.''

Insp Marian Garland, of Durham Police, said the vet who treated Tess estimated it had been shot from 600ft with a high velocity, full bore rifle and that the cat was too badly hurt to travel far.

Had the cat, which had a bullet removed from the scruff of its neck, been shot at closer range it would not have survived.

Insp Garland added: "Apart from causing obvious cruelty to an animal, anyone using such a dangerous weapon is clearly putting members of the public at risk.

"The land is close to houses and a road and the use of a powerful rifle in such an area is extremely irresponsible.''

Anyone with information is urged to contact police on (0191) 386 4222.

They can also ring Crimestoppers anonymously on (0800) 555 111.