Anger as thugs attack pet

8:02pm Wednesday 9th April 2008

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A pensioner's pet cat is recovering after its ears and tail were hacked off in a sick attack.

Black and white moggy Percy went missing last month after his owners moved from Broughton to their new home on the Horse Close estate in Skipton.

A few days later, Andy Hinkinson, who lives in nearby Pinhaw Road, found the eight-year-old cat in his kitchen. Percy had been savagely attacked and left with horrific injuries to his ears and tail.

Mr Hinkinson, who has five cats of his own, said Percy was initially very nervous.

"I found this cat sitting in my kitchen up against the radiator," he said. "He looked in a very bad way. As soon as he saw me he ran outside.

"I could see that he had horrific injuries and I was frightened that he would run away, so I took it very slowly, gained his trust and after about five days was able to get him into a pet carrier and get him to the vets."

Fortunately, Percy had been micro-chipped and his owners were soon traced.

Mr Hinkinson said he had been shocked by the extent of Percy's injuries.

"I could see that his injuries had not been caused by a dog," he said. "They were too precise. It's awful that there is somebody out there that could do something like this. I've been telling everyone in the area to keep an eye out."

Percy is now at home and recovering well despite having to have his tail amputated and being left with mutilated ears.

Shirley Frost, the owner's daughter, said her mother was overwhelmed to have Percy back and would in future keep him inside.

"It absolutely sickens me to think that someone could do something like this and I hope someone will come forward who knows who did this," she said.

Pam Laking, administrator of the Craven and Upper Wharfedale branch of the RSPCA, said: "You think you have heard it all. You cannot believe someone would grab hold of a cat and hurt it in this way."

She also urged people to have their pets micro-chipped.

Anyone with any information regarding the attack on Percy should call the RSPCA on 07949 229955 or the police on 0845 6060247.