RSPCA speaks of horrific firework stunt on dead cat

An RSPCA inspector today said an incident in which a cat was first shot dead and then had a lit firework inserted inside it was "one of the saddest things I have ever come across".

The society says the incident in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, shows the horrors which can be visited on animals as Bonfire Night approaches.

It follows a similar, well publicised incident last year only a few miles away in nearby Huddersfield in which a gang tried to blow up a Yorkshire Terrier with a firework after it had been run over by a car.

In the latest incident, the short-haired, adult tabby cat was found by a member of the public at Overthorpe Park, in the town.

The RSPCA took the cat, which had no collar or microchip, to a local vet who discovered it had died as a result of being shot in the stomach by an airgun.

A post-mortem examination revealed a firework had been inserted and lit after the cat had died.

RSPCA Inspector Paula Todd said: "This is one of the saddest things I have ever come across during my time as an RSPCA inspector.

"The fact the cat was killed by an airgun injury is horrifically cruel in itself, but for it to then be further abused by a firework is absolutely shocking.

"If anyone saw, heard or knows about this incident we are keen to hear from them urgently."

In April 19-year-old Steven Robinson was ordered to do 100 hours community service for his role in the attack on the Yorkshire Terrier "Emmie" in Huddersfield almost exactly a year ago.

Bradford Crown Court heard how a gang tried to blow up Emmie, who had died in a road accident, with a firework while a one of them took pictures on a mobile phone.

The RSPCA said Emmie was running scared from the noise of fireworks when she was run over.

Copyright Press Association 2006