PET cruelty is on the rise with attacks including a pet rabbit whose back was broken in two places and a kitten that was microwaved, according to the RSPCA.
A spokesman said the shameful animal cruelty cases came to light in Barnsley last year and - more recently - a cockapoo type dog was found in Wombwell with a horrific gaping wound to its neck and just last month a horse had to be put to sleep after being stabbed in the stomach in a field in Hoyland.
RSPCA inspector Paula Clemence found Paul, a shorthaired tabby cat, he was collapsed, had pale gums and no pain response in his hind legs.
She said: "Paul's spine and ribs could be easily felt through his fur. Sadly the vet decided that putting him to sleep was the kindest option. The extent of his suffering was all too visibly apparent. I've never seen a cat so painfully thin."
** The full story is in the Barnsley Chronicle newspaper, dated May 1 **
