Appeal to find man who set his dog on a pet cat in an ‘extremely disturbing’ attack

This is the shocking moment a man set his dog on a pet cat in what the RSCPA has called an “extremely disturbing” attack.

Horrifying CCTV footage shows the suspect, who was wearing a cap and hooded jacket, approaching a property in Woodlands Crescent, Walsall, with his lurcher-type dog on 23 October.

The man can be seen pointing a large light at a cat sitting on a wall to trigger the brutal attack, which resulted in the animal's death.

The cat's owner, Gary Truefitt, said he was very upset after seeing the video.

He discovered the footage after his cat, Cleo, whom he had owned for eight years, did not return home the following day.

Mr Truefitt said: "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.

"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.

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"It's just awful to think of her being attacked in this way."

RSPCA trainee inspector Fiona Howell said: "This is an extremely disturbing incident and we'd like to find out who this individual is as soon as possible.

"We believe there may also be offences of 'lamping' shown here and are also liaising with the police.”

Anyone who recognise the individual in the footage is urged to contact the RSPCA inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018.