A pet pooch is “lucky to be alive” after being shot with an air rifle in a south Bucks park – after the pellet came just millimetres from his spine, his owner said.

Five-year-old sprocker spaniel Joe was playing in a stream in Wooburn Park when he was blasted by a mystery assailant.

Police have launched an investigation to try and catch the culprit following the shocking attack.

Joe’s owner Caroline Gallup, 55, said: “The vet has said that he was lucky to be alive because it could have pierced a major organ.

“It had to have been an extremely powerful air rifle to have pierced his skin, go right through his muscle and lodge itself below his spine.

“It is shocking because if it can do that to a dog, I dread to think what it could do to a young child or someone walking nearby.

“My friend just heard a gun shot and suddenly Joe was hurt, so we do not know where it came from.”

Joe had been taken for a walk by Caroline’s friend on August 28 when he was shot in the country park.

He was dragged from the water whimpering and bleeding after the pellet pierced his side and broke through muscle.

Vets immediately carried out surgery to remove the shrapnel, which became lodged just millimetres from his spine.

Caroline, who owns a homemade jewellery business, says she was heartbroken to see Joe in such pain.

She added: “Seeing him in so much pain has been heartbreaking for me but now that he has begun getting better I can't understand what kind of person would do something like this to a dog.

“It just does not make any sense to me and I want justice for him because he is not able to get it for himself.

“He is a part of my family and injuring his is the same as hurting someone in my family."

“He is getting back to his normal self now, although he has been left with an unfortunate haircut.

“It just worries me that there is someone out there who will happily shoot a helpless dog."

Police are now appealing for witnesses following the shooting.

Investigating officer, PC Paulina Wodzynska of Investigation Hub, based at High Wycombe, said: “We would ask anyone who may have seen this incident or anyone who saw someone acting suspiciously in the area to come forward.”

Anyone with information can call 101 quoting reference 43180264870 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.