AN animal lover is warning pet owners to be on their guard after cruel gunmen aimed to kill his rescue cat, Sputnik.

Magazine editor Mike Appleton discovered the year old tabby dragging his leg and thought he had been involved in a fight with another cat.

But a trip to the vet revealed the puss had been shot three times in the thigh and knee and once in the ear.

Mike, of Knotts Houses, Leigh, said: "The incident took place during the Manchester United match last week and it is obvious the culprit had to re-load the gun four times and meant to kill him.

"It is so sad because my partner Hannah and I nursed him back to health after he had been found abandoned as a kitten with a triple fracture of the same leg which was shot.

"He is a placid cat who plays with next door's dog, but he doesn't wander far.

"I really want to warn people about the idiots that are knocking about. They should keep a close eye on their pets.

"What also concerns me is that there are lots of small children in the area and they could easily be hit.

"This thoughtless incident has left us with a big vet's bill, but thankfully he seems to be on the mend once again."