Sick thugs who tortured a young cat are being hunted by police officers.
Babes, a short-haired cat, was left traumatised after being subjected to a cruel assault when she wandered just yards from her Perth home.
The unfortunate cat had been violated with a drinking straw. Owner Hazel Davidson told The Courier how she found her beloved feline cowering under a hedge in her Stanley Crescent garden.
Initially believing her pet had suffered a broken leg, due to the odd way she was walking, Ms Davidson was horrified to discover the true nature of Babes’ injuries.
“It was absolutely sickening,” said Ms Davidson. “She was really distressed and I had to take her to the vet, where she was sedated and kept in overnight.
“Fortunately there doesn’t seem to be any internal damage but it’s bad enough that she was put through this in the first place. You just wouldn’t think people could be capable of doing such a thing.”
Babes suffered bruising and swelling as a result of the horrifying incident and has been placed on heavy-duty painkillers. Although she escaped any serious injury, her devoted owner believes the psychological effect could be irreparable.
Previously a confident and adventurous cat, she has now taken to hiding in darkened rooms.
Ms Davidson, a care coordinator at Perth College, added: “This has left her terrified of going outside. It’s just heartbreaking to see her now.
”I have no idea why someone would want to do this to a defenceless creature. My mum is going to be absolutely devastated.
“The cat is such a comfort to her and was a constant companion while she was unwell.
“It just feels like it’s been one thing after another, as my dog was sick a few days before this happened and just the other day, my purse was stolen while I was shopping. I don’t think I can take any more bad news.”
Scottish SPCA Chief Superintendent Mike Flynn hit out at the callous attackers.
He said: “This appears to have been a malicious attack on a defenceless creature and the cat is lucky to have escaped serious internal injury.
“We would advise anyone who knows anything about this incident to contact the police immediately. Causing an animal unnecessary suffering is an offence.”
A spokeswoman from Police Scotland confirmed they were investigating the incident, which happened on Saturday evening near Dunkeld Road.