A family is dealing with a big veterinarians’ costs after their precious cat was assaulted by 2 ‘out-of-control’ dogs.
A passer-by actioned in to rescue mum-of-two Lisa Finch’s cat Ruby, who was assaulted ‘on her own doorstep’ near Parsons Close, Angmering, on Sunday, April 30.
The ‘very brave’ member of the general public was ‘covered in blood’ following his brave act, according to charity Worthing Cat Welfare Trust (WCWT), and Ruby was hurried to South Downs Emergency Vets in Storrington for immediate treatment.
Lisa and her 2 kids, Molly, 15, and Blake, 9, are ‘heartbroken’ by the experience and ‘have been unable to sleep due to worry and stress’.
Lisa said: “We have had Ruby all her life as we have her mum, so we watched her be born and grow up into a beautiful cat who loves life.
“We were devastated when we found out she was viciously attacked by two dogs.
“It was really concerning as we could not find her for four hours. By the time we had found her, she was in a very bad way.”
Despite veterinarians’ speedy action, Ruby needed to have her leg cut off as an outcome of her injuries. She is now back home however is not yet out of the woods – on the other hand, her veterinarian costs are already nearing £5,000.
An online fundraising page, handled by WCWT, has actually been established to assist with the expenses. So far, it has actually raised more than £2,500 and the charity said it has actually been ‘overwhelmed by the public’s assistance’.
A representative for WCWT thanked everybody who had actually contributed after the ‘defenceless’ animal was assaulted by 2 ‘out-of-control’ dogs, ‘who were both off leads and the owner was nowhere to be seen’.
They included: “Ruby has been through a horribly traumatic ordeal – and one of her legs was amputated as a result of her injuries – but is thankfully now recuperating at home, with her lovely family.
“They have thanked both South Downs Emergency Vets and Worthing Cat Welfare Trust for stepping in to help Ruby, plus the passer-by who intervened with no thought for his own safety to stop the attack and ultimately save Ruby’s life.”
The Worthing-based charity likewise advised dog owners to practice safe walking when out in public.
Joss Loader, a trustee at WCWT, said: “The law is very clear that dogs should be under control at all times, even if they’re being walked in areas where they are allowed to be off leads. The owner must have total recall at all times. If owners have any uncertainty, then they should keep their dogs on leads.
“It is totally unacceptable for a cat to be attacked in this way and our hearts go out to poor Ruby and her owners.”
Lisa included: “It is going to be a long journey [but] we are hoping Ruby will make a full recovery and one day lay out in the sun again.”
