AN RSPCA officer has condemned thugs who fatally shot a puppy with a ball-bearing gun.

The 12-week-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was hit in the head while in the garden of its family home in Roach Street, Strood. The pet died a day and a half later.

RSPCA inspector Teresa Potter, who is investigating the incident, said: "We would like to hear from anyone with any information on who shot this puppy. This was a completely callous act that has caused the death of this young puppy.”

An RSPCA spokesman said; “This is a particularly sick attack on a defenceless little animal. Of course I have known cases of equal cruelty and even worse but this is the first attack with a ball-bearing gun that I am aware of in this area. “

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the RSPCA in confidence on 08705 555999.

Full story in Friday's Medway Messenger