Twisted thugs tortured and killed a cat by shooting it with an air rifle over the course of two attacks
The moggy was left outside overnight between Saturday, October 4, and Sunday, October 5.
But when the cat returned home to Lees Close in Dalton it was found on Sunday morning with wounds to the pelvis and chest.
The male cat later died as a result of its injuries.
Following examination by a vet, it was established that the wound to the chest was approximately 10 days old with the wound to the pelvis more recent and the shot that killed him.
The pellets removed from the cat were from a 2.2 air weapon.
Inspector Jon Dunkerley said: "This incident has understandably deeply affected the cat's owners, made worse by the fact that we now know the pet was targeted on more than one occasion.
"If anyone has seen anyone with an air weapon in the Lees Close area or has heard anything on the grapevine about who may be responsible I would urge them to make contact.
"Information can either be given to the Huddersfield Neighbourhood Policing Team: on 101 or independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on: 0800 555 111."
In unrelated investigations, police would like to speak to the people pictured in the image gallery below. The people pictured in the images may be witnesses as well as suspects. If you recognise anyone, contact police on 101 quoting the reference number on the image caption.
