Firework link in cat death horror

A vet believes the cat's injuries were caused by a firework

An animal welfare charity believes a cat which had to be put down after suffering "horrific burns" may have had a firework strapped to its back.

The Scottish SPCA said the female tabby cat was found in "extreme distress" at Dalduff Farm Shop, Crosshill, Ayrshire, on Thursday 29 October.

A vet said a firework was "highly likely" to have caused its injuries.

The charity has launched an appeal for information on what it called a "horrendous and cruel act".

Scottish SPCA ambulance driver Kerry Miller said: "Workers at the farm had reported seeing the cat near the farm shop and when I arrived it was clear that she was in extreme distress.

"I rushed her to the local vets in Maybole, but sadly the vet was unable to save her.

"The vet advised that she was likely to have had her injuries for up to a week due to the state of the wounds and that this was highly likely to have been caused by a firework, due to the burn wounds on her back and additional wounds around her stomach.

'Cruel and callous'

"It's heartbreaking to see an animal in such a terrible state. If it was indeed a firework that caused these injuries then we are dealing with a very serious crime."

Mr Miller said it was beyond his understanding "why anyone would commit such a cruel and callous act on a defenceless little cat".

Although the cat was microchipped, the owners' details were not up to date and the Scottish SPCA has been unable to trace its owner.

Anyone found guilty of causing an animal unnecessary suffering can be banned from owning animals.

They could also face penalties up to a maximum of 12 months in prison, a £20,000 fine or both.