By Stewart Ross

A PET CAT has been savaged in Methil, amid claims rogue dogs are running wild. And there are fears the next victim could be a child.

Rosie, of the Turkish Van breed, was so badly savaged veterinary surgeons could only save one hind leg. The other had to be amputated.

Horrified owner Maureen Crookston, of Wellesley Road, said she was aware of two other recent incidents where cats were pursued by dogs simply left to roam.

“Rosie went out for only about 20 minutes when she was attacked,” said Maureen.

She said her son heard something outside, then let out a yell.

An entire foot had been chewed off, while Rosie’s hind legs had been mauled and she was deeply traumatised.

“We don’t know which dog was responsible but there’s a chap in Bayview Gardens, which is just across the way from me, and his cat was attacked so badly that it’s still being treated.

“Another of my friends saw a ginger cat being chased by two Alsatians and it’s obviously down to people just letting their dogs out and letting them do what they want.”

Jill Webster, of the Fife branch of the Cats Protection League, said, “We do strongly urge the authorities to take this issue very seriously as next time it could be a child.

“We are working with Fife Constabulary, who are working on an initiative through their wildlife liaison officers, but the bottom line is that someone somewhere has to accept responsibility for this terrible incident.

“I went to see Maureen as soon as I heard about the attack and the bed on which Rosie lay was completely soaked with blood.”

Jill said were it not for the expert care and treatment given at the Kingdom Veterinary Practice in Glenrothes the cat would almost certainly have died.

“Half the problem, of course, is the scrapping of the dog licence, while the dog wardens could be doing more,” said Jill.

“The fact there isn’t an emergency vet service in this town is not helpful,” she added.

Natalie Smart, of the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, said the Methil incident had not been brought to their attention.

“Obviously if this sort of thing was taking place we would want to know about it and we would really need to get our inspectors out there,” she said.

Local councillor Joyce Smith said the cat’s fate was “despicable” and echoed the view that a child could be hurt.

“The distaste I feel over cruelty to animals leaves me stuck for sufficient words,” she said.

“What it does is remind me of the frequent correlation between such behaviour and abuse to children.

“Compare the thought, ‘It was just a cat,’ to what outrage would be let loose if a child was injured.

“It is my view that cruelty to animals is on the increase and I will be speaking to the chief constable to make sure that these crimes are being treated seriously.”

A police spokesman stressed any complaints of animal cruelty will be fully investigated and a statement is being taken from Maureen.

“If any person who is a dog owner has a dog that is dangerous or not under proper control—for example allowing it to kill or injure a cat—they can be prosecuted under the Dogs Act,” he said.