The Humane Society of Durham Region is investigating after a stray cat was shot 16 times with a pellet gun in yet another disturbing case of animal cruelty.

The cat, now named Matty, was found injured in Oshawa and was transferred to the Durham Humane Society on Friday.

X-rays showed the cat was riddled with pellets and also suffered a broken front right leg that will likely need to be amputated.

“With everything Matty has been through, his sweet disposition is shining through. He has won the hearts of his veterinarians and our animal care workers,” Durham Humane Society executive director Barbara Steinhoff said.

Matty is currently in stable condition and will undergo surgery in Toronto on Thursday.

The Toronto Humane Society’s Phil Nicholls said by the look of the animal’s wounds the shooting could have taken place any time over the last four weeks.

“As an animal lover and an advocate for animal health, it always surprises the state that some animals come in here,” he said.

Nicholls said they are hopeful Matty will make a full recovery and find a new home.

Last month, a 19-year-old Sarnia man was arrested and charged with two counts of animal cruelty after a cat was found with 17 pellets in his head.

Anyone with information on Matty is asked to contact the Humane Society of Durham Region at (905) 665-7430.