Warning after pet savaged to death
12:00pm Tuesday 10th October 1995
AN angry cat owner has warned pet lovers to be on their guard after his cat was killed - the apparent victim of a vicious attack by a dog.
Mike Bradley from Edgworth was distraught after his cross-breed Maine Coon cat Smoky was brought home by a shocked passer-by.
The man told Mr Bradley he believes the cat was deliberately killed after he saw a man and a terrier-type dog near the scene.
Mr Bradley now fears that other cats could suffer a similar fate. Bolton RSPCA have also urged cat owners to take action.
The cat was discovered on the pathway around the Jumbles Reservoir near Bradshaw on Wednesday afternoon.
The man who found the dead animal told Mr Bradley that he had seen a man and a dog near the scene. He believes Smoky was mauled by the dog.
Smoky had a wide range of injuries but an identity tag meant Mr Bradley knew instantly it was his pet.
An upset Mr Bradley said: "What I'm most worried about is that Smoky may have been attacked deliberately. if that's true it's barbaric and I want to warn other people."
Maine Coon cats can be worth as much as £500, but he added: "We're not worried about the money we're angry our pet is dead."
Turton rural beat policeman PC Steve Wilkinson confirmed that he was investigating.
He said: "I am looking into this as a possible case of a dog not being kept under reasonable control but it is too early to say exactly what happened."
Bolton RSPCA secretary Kath Kay said: "Whatever the exact circumstances this is very sad. It highlights a point we have been making for a long time - in this day and age you should not leave a cat to fend for itself outside while you are out. There are so many dangers around now."
She added that there had been no reports to the RSPCA of deliberate attacks by terriers on cats around Bolton during the past few months.
Anyone with any information should contact PC Wilkinson on 01254 701777.
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