POLICE have urged animal owners to be extra vigilant after an 18-month-old cat was shot as it played in its owners' garden.

Timmy the tabby was shot in the back with an air rifle yesterday.

The pellet was lodged just a few millimetres from the cat's spine, and owners Louise Potter and Steve Rodgers, of Barnes Close, Darlington, say their pet is lucky to be alive.

The shooting comes just days after a four-year-old cat was killed with an air rifle yards from its owner's home in the Haughton area of Darlington.

Miss Potter, 21, said: "I'm appalled at this, it's really shaken us up because you're left wondering whether you can let your cat out into the garden.

The shooting happened just after 10am as Timmy was playing in the garden.

The couple asked neighbours if they had seen anything suspicious, but failed to find out any information about the attacker.

Sergeant Bob McKay, of Darlington police, said: "This must be very distressing for not only the cat, but for the owners as well. It will also be a concern for those with pets in Darlington, because this is nothing more than just wanton cruelty.

"I would urge those with pets to be extra vigilant, and anyone with information to contact us immediately."

Darlington police can be contacted on (01325) 467681.