Officers are appealing for information following an incident of a cat being shot, with what is believed to be an air weapon, in West Kilbride.

The cat was seen in a state of distress on the evening of Saturday 17 May 2025 near to Kilruskin Road, West Kilbride.  It was taken for veterinary treatment – where an apparent air rifle pellet was removed.  The owner has subsequently checked a horse located in the same area who also has an injury consistent with an air rifle shot.  A veterinary surgeon has been contacted to treat and establish same.

These animals are legally protected from cruelty, and this offence potentially also breaches the terms of being a licenced weapon holder – so it is vital that we find who was responsible.

We are asking anyone with information that could help us trace the person responsible to come forward.  Dashcam owners who were driving in the West Kilbride area on Saturday 17 May 2025 / Sunday 18 May 2025 are requested to check footage for any suspicious activity captured.  We would also like to speak to anyone with information about other similar incidents in the area.

 Contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number PS-20250519-1295.