A cat has died after being shot several times with an air rifle.
Oscar the cat made his way back to his home in Scagglethorpe, near Malton, after being repeatedly fired at.
His owner, who is too upset to be identified, noticed the wounds and took him to the vet who tried to save Oscar by amputating his leg and removing pellets from his body. But he died from his injuries a day later.
This was a particularly cruel attack against an affectionate animal, and it has understandably left his owner heartbroken.
I'd appeal for the public's help in finding whoever who did this, and we will do everything in our power to bring them to justice for this cowardly attack."
The offence was reported to police on Tuesday 29 March 2016 but it is thought to have taken place a week earlier. However, the owner was too distraught to report it immediately.
Anyone with information is asked to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101.