The Scottish SPCA is urging pet owners in Helensburgh to be vigilant after two cats returned to their homes with suspicious tail injuries.
Scotland’s animal welfare charity was contacted by one of the distraught owners after her cat arrived home on 15 March bleeding and in pain, with his entire tail removed.
He was rushed to a vet for treatment and is now making a good recovery.
The charity has also been informed of a second cat in the area returning to its owner with its tail degloved, a method where the skin is peeled back from the underlying tissue.
Senior inspector Nicki Scott said, “The vet is puzzled at these incidents but said it is very unusual to see two similar injuries in such a short space of time.
“The cat’s tail appears to have been removed with one clean cut and he didn’t have any oil or dirty marks on him which would have been expected if this had been a result of an accident with machinery.
“Sadly, cats are often the target of malicious attacks due to their friendly and free roaming nature and, unfortunately, there are people out there who take pleasure in harming a defenceless animal.
“We are warning pet owners to be on guard and to call us if they have any information which could help our enquiries.”
Causing an animal unnecessary suffering is an offence and anyone found guilty of doing so can be banned from keeping animals for a fixed period or life.
Anyone with information is urged to call the Scottish SPCA Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999.
