RSPCA hunts killers of burnt cat

The killers of a cat which was tortured then set on fire are being hunted by RSPCA officers.

The body of the tortoiseshell female was found dumped in woods at West Moors Plantation, Poole, Dorset, on Monday.

The cat's eye had been displaced, it had severe head wounds and half its body had been burnt.

RSPCA Insp Graham Hammond said it was "dreadful" to think that a loving owner may be missing his or her cat, unaware it "has met such an horrific fate."

He added that someone may have knocked the animal down and set the body on fire "in poor taste."

Prison term

Or, he said, an individual or group may have deliberately killed the pet by inflicting head injuries, and then set fire to its body - either before or after it died.

The cat was not wearing a collar and was not microchipped but, apart from its injuries, was in good condition, Insp Hammond said.

"This animal does not appear to match any missing pet reports we have but if anyone is missing a female tortoiseshell cat they should get in touch with the RSPCA," he added.

Anyone found guilty of causing an animal unnecessary suffering faces up to six months in prison and a fine of £5,000.

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Anybody with information about what happened to the cat is urged to contact the RSPCA on 08705 555999 and leave a message for Insp Hammond.