Bristol cat loses four kittens after attack
Owner Lisa Ingleheart watched in horror as three youths cornered one-year-old Elle outside her home in Coronation Road, Kingswood, and vindictively "booted" her into the air.
Tabby Elle, a rescue-cat, had to have open-chest surgery and, after a scan, vets said they believe she has lost four of her six kittens.
Despite being just one year old Elle will now have to be spayed and can have no more kittens. She also had to have a kidney removed after the attack.
Bar worker Miss Ingleheart, 27, did not report the attack to police because she claims they would have done nothing.
She said: "Elle was outside the house and a group of kids came up to her and she was trying to get away.
"They managed to trap her by running either way around a car and then I saw one boot her into the air.
"She landed and she couldn't run away so I knew she was in real trouble. I ran out screaming blue murder.
"They ran off and Elle was in a right state and had to go and have open chest surgery. They told me that she had lost four of her six kittens.
"They also said the surgery was very risky and there was a good chance she would die so I prepared myself for the worst. It was a huge relief that didn't happen and two of the kittens have survived.
"I can't wait for them to be born because after that Elle has to be spayed because of the damage they caused. I have to admit I spoil her even more now because of what happened to her."
Miss Ingleheart, who also has another cat, dogs, rats, birds, lizards and a spider, says she can't understand why children would carry out such a pointless attack.
She said: "There was a group of about 10 of them but only three seemed to be interested in attacking Elle.
"Most of these kids seem to be fine on their own but if you put them together they are really horrible.
"I think most of them are just bored because they have nothing to do but that does not excuse this sort of behaviour. I was bored as a kid sometimes but it didn't mean I went around attacking animals.
"I didn't report the matter to the police because I knew that they wouldn't do anything about it.
"I rescued Elle who was locked in a flat and never fed, so for this to happen was very upsetting."
A spokeswoman for the RSPCA, Jo Barr said: "It beggars belief why somebody would carry out such a cowardly and brutal attack.
"I would urge anybody with information to contact the RSPCA on 0300 1234999 because we can, and will, prosecute.
"We would remind people that causing an animal deliberate suffering is taken very seriously by the law and can carry a prison sentence of six months and/or a fine of up to £20,000."
A spokeswoman for Avon and Somerset police said: "Avon and Somerset police take all allegations of animal cruelty seriously and work in conjunction with the RSPCA to investigate such cases. Anybody who has witnessed an incident is encouraged to report it at their local police station."
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