Echo readers offer rewards to find thugs who attacked cat in Weymouth (From Dorset Echo)

Echo readers offer rewards to find thugs who attacked cat in Weymouth

12:00pm Friday 19th March 2010 in

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HORRIFIED readers have stepped forward to offer a reward to help catch the thugs who savagely attacked a family pet.

Alfie, a 14-month-old cat, is fighting for its life after losing an eye and suffering multiple fractures after being kicked by thugs.

He was discovered covered in blood by his owner Rachel Cummings and rushed to the vet where he underwent emergency surgery.

Police are investigating the attack and have appealed for witnesses to come forward.

The cat was named after the family’s local chippie, Alf’s, whose owner John Pearce is offering a £50 reward for information leading to the conviction of the culprits.

Another reader, who wished to remain anonymous, is also putting up £100 to help bring the thugs to justice.

And other readers have stepped forward to help the Cummings pay the vet’s bill.

Mr Pearce said: “Everyone who has been coming in has been talking about it and it is a terrible thing for anyone to do to a helpless little cat.

“As he was named after us, myself and my wife Karen thought we had to do something. I hope someone will come forward with some information to catch whoever was responsible.”

The reader who is offering a reward of £100 said: “I am an animal lover and I was horrified when I read the story in the Echo. I don’t think anyone should be allowed to get off scot-free for something like this.

“I know it isn’t a lot of money but hopefully it may get someone to come forward with some information.

“The culprits should be brought to justice and dealt with as the courts see fit.”

Mrs Cummings, 32, of Lynch Road, Weymouth, said her daughter Daniella and five other children were left distraught after seeing their cat in so much pain.

Mrs Cummings said she was grateful for all the pledges of support.

She said: “It is very touching that people care.

“We are supposed to be a nation of animal lovers but there are people out there who obviously are really cruel.

“It makes be feel sick and I just want to ensure he gets better.

“I have had £10 from a neighbour for his care and someone else has given £10 to the vet which is lovely.

“And I would like to thank the people who have offered money for the reward. It just shows that people really do care.”

Animal rescue centre Paws, which has a cat shelter in Weymouth, has already come forward to donate £50 towards the fees.

Dorset Police are appealing for witnesses and if anyone has any information they should contact 01305 222222.

A spokesman said: “We’d appeal for anyone who witnessed anybody mistreating a cat to come forward.”