A CITY mum has warned other pet owners to think twice before letting their beloved animals outside, after claiming her cat was killed by poisoning.
Nine-year-old tabby Minxy had to be put down by a vet on Monday after owner Chantelle Hebblewhite found it had returned home vomiting.
Mrs Hebblewhite, of Pendrill Street, off Beverley Road, Hull, said: "The vet said it looked like Minxy had been poisoned by someone and that it was not the first time this had happened to a cat he had taken into care recently.
"I am so upset because I just do not understand who would do this to an animal.
"Only a few months before this, I found Minxy hanging from a tree by her collar. She could have died then.
"I know people will say it is only a cat, but they become a member of the family.
"I would urge other pet owners to think hard before letting their pets out on their own, especially cats because they are vulnerable."
Mrs Hebblewhite, who has lived in Hull for ten years, took Minxy to the PDSA Pet Aid Hospital in Brunswick Avenue. But the cat had to be put to sleep soon after.
Mrs Hebblewhite said: "Telling my son Jaycee was one of the hardest things I have had to do because he loved the cat so much.
"It's not like Minxy was even getting on in age – she had plenty of years left in her for a cat.
"She used to go out all the time because that is what she wanted to do. It is such a shame.
"Nobody has anything against us so my bet would be a group of yobbos who have nothing better to do. Perhaps they have a vicious nature."
Mrs Hebblewhite says she will now take the matter to the police.
A Humberside Police spokesman said: "If people do have concerns about the safety of their pet, we would urge them to get in contact with us as soon as possible."
Anyone with information, or who is concerned about a pet's safety, should call police on non-emergency number 101.
The Mail reported in February how residents in Bransholme and Sutton feared their pet cats were being snared. According to residents, "loads" of animals had gone missing.
John Norfolk, of Hornbeam Court, said he was left with no option but to take in a stray cat after it had been "ripped apart" by dogs.
He said: "This cat was left looking unrecognisable when he came to my door to be fed. He was covered in blood.
"His teeth had been broken and he was wounded from top to bottom. I am no cat fanatic, but I nearly cried."
Mr Norfolk, 67, took the cat to a vet, where he was told it was likely the cat had been snared before being attacked by dogs.
He said: "I would give my pension to find who did this.
"It is absolutely disgusting. There is definitely a gang of men going about the area and training dogs to kill."
Patricia Tasker, of Sutton, said: "The Cat Protection League is aware of the problem. Cats are going missing and everyone is talking about it on the internet."
• Are animals being targeted in the area where you live? Email reporter Mark Williams on mark.williams@hulldailymail.co.uk or call him on 01482 315105
