The RSPCA is hunting a gang of youths who allegedly kicked and threw cans at a pet cat leaving his owners devastated.
Witnesses said a group of youths took turns kicking and throwing cans at rescue cat Tosca on Turncroft Lane in Offerton, Stockport, on Saturday night.
Tosca, who has survived being abandoned, run over and ‘kidnapped’ in the past, was rushed to a vet by a Good Samaritan who stepped in to intervene.
An ultrasound scan and x-ray are needed to inspect the damage caused by the attack, but it’s believed Tosca may have broken ribs and a hernia.
Father-of-three Ryan McHugh, 31, whose family rescued Tosca from a shelter, said they were all devastated by the attack.
He also said the cost of the vet bills almost forced them to put their cat down.
‘It’s upsetting. We’re all devastated,’ Mr McHugh said.
‘We almost got him put down at the vets because of the amount of money they said it was going to cost.’
He added: ‘You can tell he’s in pain – he sneezed and you could tell it hurt him.’
Mr McHugh, from Stockport, only discovered the horrific events had unfolded when he received a call from the vet at around 6pm on Saturday.
The attack was tragically just the latest episode in a series of unfortunate events for Tosca, who is believed to be around 12 years old.
Tosca was hit by a car before being rehomed, leaving him with problems in his eye.
Mr McHugh, 31, said Tosca wouldn’t leave the house in his first 18 months with the family but things soon changed, with the cat wandering off for hours or more than a day at a time.
‘About six months ago he started going on big adventures,’ said Mr McHugh. ‘People would post on Facebook saying ‘is this cat lost?’.
‘He’s so friendly he will follow people for ages. I think that’s what happened on Saturday – he’s gone up to these kids being friendly like he normally does.’
The incident has been reported to Greater Manchester Police and Mr McHugh has contacted local high schools to help with the investigation.
A GMP spokesperson said: ‘On Saturday, July 1, GMP was made aware of an alleged attack on a cat which is believed to have taken place on Turncroft Lane, Stockport. The cat was taken to the vets, but it has since been discharged.
‘GMP is working with the RSPCA to understand the circumstances.’
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help cover the cost of vet bills for Tosca’s treatment. Mr McHugh said on the page that they had been quoted £700 for his initial assessment but are seeking cheaper alternatives. So far, they have raised £3,263.
Any information about the incident can be passed to GMP online or on 101.
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