Cruel thugs hang pet cat

Nov 2 2006 By Emma Cullwick, Birmingham Mail

A DISTRAUGHT Birmingham animal lover fears a gang of teenagers killed her cat after he was found hanging from a makeshift noose on an iron gate.

Margaret Lynch, a worker for charity the Cat Protection League, believes heartless thugs tied a clothes line around her pet Woody's neck, then strung the nine-year-old animal to the gate in front of a house in Belstone Close, Kings Heath.

The grim discovery was made by Margaret's friend, Patricia Gale, of Belstone Close, who herself had a cat killed when it was shot with an air rifle four years ago.

Now the cat lovers have urged pet owners in the area to be vigilant, saying they fear other four-legged creatures could be the next targets.

Divorced Margaret, aged 48, who got Woody from an animal rescue centre when he was just six weeks old, said: "I'm absolutely devastated. The people who did this are pure evil.

"There's no way this could have happened by accident and we believe there is a gang of teenagers that hang around the area who are responsible.

"It's inconceivable that anyone would be capable of being so cold-blooded and cruel," added Margaret, who lives in Haytor Avenue, which runs parallel to the close where her pet was discovered dead.

"Working for a cat charity I have seen some horrific things over the years but nothing like this, I never thought anything like this would happen to me.

"I can only hope Woody didn't go through too much suffering."

A police spokesman confirmed an investigation had been launched. Anyone with information can call 0845 113 500 (ext 78366259).

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