A black cat which was tied to a fence with a lead for more than two weeks was discovered with such severe injuries vets had to amputate her tail.
Tinker the moggie had been missing for a fortnight when a group of teens heard her wailing and went to help.
She was found with a wound on her tail which had maggots in it and a nasty lesion around her neck where her collar had worn away her fur and skin.
The RSPCA, which has launched an investigation into the incident, say Tinker had been pulling on the lead in a desperate bid to escape.
Tinker was rushed to a vet but sadly the injury to her tail, thought to have been suffered before she was tied up, meant it had to be amputated.
The one-year-old cat is microchipped and her owners were notified soon after being discovered on a primary school’s grounds in Leyland, Lancs, on Monday (Aug 19).
Distressing images released by the RPSCA show Tinker’s amputated tail, her injured neck and an abrasion on her side.
RSPCA Inspector Susie Micallef, who is investigating, said: “The cat had been missing for two weeks when some local teens playing at the field heard crying and found her tied to a fence and took her to a local vet.
“Tinker’s tail was badly injured and there were maggots on the wound so vets had to amputate it. She also had a neck wound from the lead around her neck.
“As she’d been pulling and trying to escape, the noose had tightened and caused a nasty injury all around her neck.
“Luckily, she was microchipped so we were able to contact her owners who said she’d been missing for two weeks.”
Tinker continues to be treated for her horrific injuries while the RSPCA try to establish how she became injured and why she was restrained in such a way.
Ms Micallef added: “It seems someone has deliberately tied poor Tinker to the fence.
“It seems she had probably suffered her tail injury before being tied up so would have required veterinary treatment.
“And yet, instead of seeking help, someone has restrained her and left her to fend for herself.”
The RSPCA are appealing for anyone who may have information about what happened to Tinker to call them on 0300 123 8018.”
To help the animal charity continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals in desperate need of care please visit www.rspca.org.uk/give.
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