Franklin Township police are investigating the shooting of a cat with a pellet gun that resulted in it losing its leg.

Township police Chief Jason Doll said that a report was made at 10:19 p.m. April 3 by Stacey Silliman, who lives in the 500 block of Rock Street, that her cat “Noodles” had left the home on April 2 and returned at 5 p.m. on April 3.

When the cat returned, Silliman noticed its paw was dragging and its leg was limp, so she took it to the emergency veterinarian.

“I get there, after sitting there for four hours they tell me his leg was caught in a trap,” Silliman said. “They are pretty sure I would need to get his leg amputated.”

The decision was made to keep Noodles at the emergency vet as they were able to keep him sedated and comfortable, Silliman said.

It was discovered that the cat had two pellets lodged in it, one in its paw, and the other in the chest, he said.

Silliman said she received a “devastating” phone call “telling me someone had shot my cat, deliberately shot my cat in the leg.”

Doll said township police officer Frank Buonaiuto is investigating the incident.

Silliman made the choice to amputate Noodles’ leg, a procedure that cost $7,500.

Judy Henry of Franklin Township set up a GoFundMe on behalf of Silliman to pay for medical bills for Noodles.

As of Thursday morning, $260 of the $2,000 goal has been raised.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Franklin Township Police Department at 610-377-1681.