A BRECHIN businesswoman who dedicates hours of her free time caring for unwanted or homeless cats has been shocked to witness one of her charges being savaged in what should have been the safety of her own garden.

The attack by a Staffordshire bull terrier happened as Carol Simpson happened to look out of a window, but because she was on the fourth floor of her home, she was unable to prevent the powerful dog snatching Lynx, an elderly female cat, in its mouth and attempting to make off with her.

Carol said, “I was absolutely horrified at what I saw. These are big powerful dogs and this one just leapt over the wall into my garden.

“The dog had the cat in its mouth. My daughter Donna, who wants to be a vet and knew what do, was able to race out to the rescue.

“There were bite marks all over the cat’s belly. She is still in a lot of pain with bad bruising and is severely traumatised. She’s having veterinary treatment but we don’t think she will every fully recover.”

To make matters worse, the owner of the dog did nothing to intervene to stop the attack, claimed Carol, who runs a card and gift shop in Brechin’s High street but in her free time is a volunteer with the Cat Protection League.

“I called the police and they are investigating, but I want people in Brechin to be alerted to what this dog is capable of.

“There is a picnic area near my house but this dog is clearly dangerous and shouldn’t be there.”