Investigation launched after dead cat found with washing line wrapped around neck at nature reserve

RSPCA Inspector Krissy Raine was called on Monday, December 7 after a member of the public found the cat’s body beside a path in Easington Nature Reserve and took it to a local vet.

The cat’s body was examined and it was found she’d likely been killed a number of days earlier.

Vets believe the cat may have been tied up with the washing line, tethered, beaten and deliberately set upon by dogs.

Krissy said: “This must have been extremely distressing for the woman who found the cat’s body dumped in the mud next to a bench.

"This poor cat has clearly suffered horrific, traumatic injuries but we don’t know whether these were inflicted before or after death.

“The cat - a black, adult female - had a plastic washing line wrapped around her neck and tied in knots.

"She had also suffered a fractured spine, multiple severe fractures to all of her legs and her tail had a degloving injury which had left the bone exposed.

"She was covered in bite wounds and her ears had been bitten off or cut off.

“The woman who found her body said she had been ‘torn to pieces’.

"What’s extremely suspicious is that the cat’s microchip appears to have been cut out from beneath the skin, suggesting this may well have been a deliberate act of torture on this poor puss.”

The RSPCA is now appealing for anyone with information regarding the incident to contact them as they carry out an investigation.

“It’s absolutely heartbreaking to think about what this poor little thing went through before she died,” Krissy added.

"And it’s utterly disgusting that someone may have deliberately made this cat endure such a horrendous ordeal.

“I’m appealing to anyone with any information about this awful incident to contact our appeal line on 0300 123 8018.

"This sort of cruelty will not be tolerated.”

This winter, the RSPCA expects to respond to thousands of reports of animal cruelty.

To help rescue teams reach the thousands of animals in need and to continue investigating animal cruelty and neglect, visit www.rspca.org.uk/xmas to donate.

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