Cat scarred after firework attack

The cat is being cared for at Braid Vets Hospital in Newington

A cat is recovering after an attack in which fireworks were taped to its side and set off.

The animal was found on Sunday morning suffering from substantial burns to its side and covered in masking tape.

The Scottish SPCA said the incident, in Drylaw, Edinburgh, had "shocked and horrified" animal welfare workers.

Police described the attack as a "horrific and deliberate act of cruelty" and appealed for witnesses to come forward.

The cat was found by a member of the public near Royston Mains Road.

The young, male cat was rushed to an emergency veterinary clinic for immediate medical treatment.

It is now being cared for at the Braid Vets Hospital in Newington.

Bonfire night

Christina Harkness, the vet who cared for the cat, said: "We are very pleased that he has survived this ordeal, as the attack could have quite easily killed him.

"I am disgusted that somebody tried to gain some pleasure from attacking a cat in this horrendous way."

Natalie Smart, spokeswoman for the Scottish SPCA, said attacks of this sort happen every year in the run up to bonfire night.

The people responsible for this despicable act need to be caught Natalie Smart Scottish SPCA spokeswoman

"This attack was brutal and unprovoked," she said. "The people responsible for this despicable act need to be caught as they may be a danger to other animals, or even to other people."

The attack happened between 2100 BST on Saturday and 0830 GMT on Sunday morning.

A Lothian and Borders Police spokeswoman appealed for the cat's owner to come forward.

She said: "Fireworks in the wrong hands are dangerous, but in this case, could have been fatal for both the animal involved, and those who were abusing them."

This incident comes a year after a cat was attacked with fireworks and thrown onto a bonfire in Hamilton.

Anyone with information should contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131 or the Scottish SPCA Animal Helpline on 0870 73 777 22.