Hooded man encouraged his dog to maul cat to death
6 November 2019, 16:59
Disturbing CCTV footage has captured a savage attack in which a man deliberately goaded his dog into killing an innocent pet cat.
In the video, the suspect can be seen wearing a cap and a hooded jacket whilst approaching a property in Woodlands Crescent, Walsall, on 23 October.
The footage shows the man pointing a light at a cat, named Cleo, sitting on a wall in an attempt to trigger his lurcher-type dog into initiating the "extremely disturbing" attack.
Gary Truefitt, the cat's owner, was extremely upset after seeing the video.
He made the terrifying discovery the following day after Cleo, who had been by his side for eight years, had failed to return home.
"I noticed my gate was left open, which was suspicious, so I decided to check the CCTV and was completely shocked by what I found," he said.
"I was very upset, I went to my neighbour's house as I didn't know what to do.
"Cleo will be very much missed. She was a daft cat in lots of ways and would lie along the driveway even when there were cars about, but she was a companion to me.
"It's just awful to think of her being attacked in this way."
RSPCA trainee inspector Fiona Howell called the incident "extremely disturbing" and hoped "to find out" the responsible individual "as soon as possible."
She said: ""We believe there may also be offences of 'lamping' shown here and are also liaising with the police.
"If anyone does recognise the individual in this footage they can contact the RSPCA inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018."
