Attacks on domestic pets are common

The animals were targeted in separate shootings in the Woodvale area at the weekend.

One cat was shot with a crossbow on Saturday evening. The second cat was hit with a feathered air gun dart on Sunday.

Both survived but are badly injured.

The Ulster Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (USPCA), said such violence against animals was nothing new.

However, USPCA chief executive Stephen Philpott said that whereas young children once used catapults to target animals, now crossbows and air guns were being employed, with devastating consequences.

Crossbows are lethal weapons, they are completely devastating for a small animal Stephen Philpott

"This is quite a regular occurrence here in Northern Ireland. Every year we find between 25-30 animals who have been hit like this," Mr Philpott said.

"These weapons are not regulated and they seem to be getting into the hands of young children."

Mr Philpott said the USPCA campaigned regularly in an effort to win respect for animals.

"Crossbows are lethal weapons, they are completely devastating for a small animal," he said.

"One of the crossbow bolts was 12 inches long. You can guess what damage that could do."

One of the cats is being treated by a vet.

However, the second victim, a feral kitten, has proved difficult to capture and is still limping around with a serious leg injury.