A CAT had to be put down after it was shot in the head with an air rifle.

Four-year-old Megan Dawes’s pet, Charlotte, was shot near her home in John English Avenue, Braintree.

A vet at the Black Notley Veterinary Surgery put the 18-month-old cat to sleep because it had brain damage.

Megan’s mum, Sonja Dawes, 38, who has three other cats, said: “I am very sad, but more angry.

“There should be a law against air rifles.”

Mrs Dawes says she will be keeping her other cats indoors in future.

Anyone who is 18 can buy an air rifle and pellets and use it on land where they have permission.

Braintree-based PCSO Claire Aherne appealed for information about the shooter and added: “Cruelty to animals is not acceptable.

“Neighbourhood policing officers will be patrolling in the area.”

Anyone with information about last Friday’s shooting, at about 3pm, is asked to call 0300 3334444.