Cat 'firework' death reward offer

The cat is thought to have had her injuries for up to a week

An animal charity has put up a reward for any information about an incident in which a cat had to be put down after sustaining "horrific burns".

The female tabby was found in "extreme distress" at Dalduff Farm Shop, Crosshill, Ayrshire, on 29 October.

A vet said it was highly likely that a firework strapped to its back had caused its injuries.

Now People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta) has offered a £1,000 reward for information.

The Scottish SPCA called it a "horrendous and cruel act".

'Additional wounds'

Its 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."

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.