RSPCA: ‘Injured cat may have been deliberately set alight’ (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

RSPCA say injured pet found outside house could have been set alight

12:00pm Saturday 11th February 2012 in News By Connor Flaherty

This badly-burned cat was found curled up on a discarded sofa in a “terrible state” in Bradford, close to death.

RSPCA staff fear the cat could have been set on fire deliberately, although could also have been burnt accidentally in a house fire.

Crispy the cat was rescued by an RSPCA inspector after being found outside a property in Barden Avenue, Buttershaw.

Graham Roberts, a vet from the Bradford RSPCA Clinic, said: “He had bits of fur clumped in what looked like tar. He was in a terrible state.

“He looked so pathetic with his singed whiskers, floppy ears and fire bristled coat.”

Crispy was found outside a property on Barden Avenue, Bradford, on Wednesday, January 18. He was curled up on a wet discarded sofa in front of a house.

The RSPCA aren’t ruling out someone doing this deliberately.

Mr Roberts added: “We still don’t know how he got hurt. He appeared to have been set alight – it could have been a house fire or he might have been deliberately set alight.

“There was no suggestion of where he had come from, except that he was first seen that afternoon.

“He must have belonged to someone because of his friendly nature, but no one has come forward to claim him.”

It’s not yet known how he was injured, but all the staff at the clinic have been very impressed with Crispy and he has almost made a full recovery.

“He’s more or less healed up, so he’s fine,” Mr Roberts added.

“He has done very well, but has lost the tips of his ears and fur is missing still, but he’s friendly and willing for me to pick him up. Staff named him Crispy, which he hasn’t seemed to mind! ”

For further information on Crispy or anyone who is interested in giving him a new home can contact Bradford RSPCA on (01274) 723063.