Cat ‘swung to death’ owner says

The animal’s injuries seem to indicate that it was swung around by the tail, according to owner Harold Truesdale.

The incident happened outside Lurgan Rugby Club some time between 6.30pm and 7pm on Thursday.

Nine-month-old Garfield died shortly afterwards.

“A lady came to the door to tell us the cat had been found,” said Mr Truesdale.

“At first we thought it had been knocked down. That’s how bad it looked.

“We brought it to the vet straight away. After a few x-rays, we discovered that its tail and hips had been broken.

“The vet told us it looked like it had been swung around by the tail.”

Mr Truesdale said his two children have been left “devastated” after the death of the family pet.

“If he had been killed by a car, it would not have been as bad. But the fact that it looks like someone did this intentionally turns my stomach.

“I know there was training on at the Rugby Club at the time, so I’m hoping someone might have witnessed what happened.”

If you witnessed the incident, contact police on 0845 600 8000.

If you prefer to provide information without giving your details you can contact the independent Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.