A FAMILY in Bidford have warned cat owners in the village to keep their pets close after two of the furry felines were cruelly attacked in the village.

The first encounter left the family of the unfortunate cat forced to make the decision to amputate his leg.

The Horton family, of The Mews, Bidford, were devastated when they found their cat Pilchard needed to have the life changing operation after the attack on November 10 between 5am and 9am.

Karen Horton said: “We let him out in the morning and when he came back in he couldn’t walk on his back leg. We took him to the vet and they said the bone was shattered. We were crying and worked up. The vet said it is very likely he got the injury from being kicked.

“Everybody loves Pilchard. He is so friendly and has carried on being that way throughout the whole ordeal. He won’t go out the house at the moment. We are hoping that will change as he used to like going out.”

The following day just a few minutes away another cat was the victim of a similar attack.

Peter Groom, PCSO for Bidford said: “The owner of this cat saw two men and one woman aged between 16 and 18 kicking the cat from a distance.”

This time the attack took place around 10.30pm.

“We are looking into the two incidents of animal cruelty in Bidford this month,” added Peter.

Anyone with information regarding a couple of incidents of animal cruelty in Bidford on Avon should call Alcester Police Station on 01789 444816 or email alcestersouth.snt@warwickshire.police.uk or peter.groom@warwickshire.police.uk.