Public warned to be on their guard after spate of barbaric attacks on cats in Burnley

In the latest attack, in the Stoops and Coal Clough area, a female cat was found dead by volunteers with the Rossendale Responsible Animal Rescue, who had been contacted by concerned members of the public.

The animal, who had recently given birth to a litter of kittens, had suffered devastating bite marks to her body.

But a vet confirmed, to the volunteers' heartbreak and shock, that the cat's skull had been shattered, probably due to being hit by a heavy object.

Debbie Milliken, who is head of the charity's feline division, said: "It would appear these gangs had set their dog on the cat and then finished off the job themselves.

"At the time we had been looking for two female cats who had both given birth to kittens. We found the other mother with some of her kittens and she is now being cared for."

Debbie said the problem was rife in the area and she believed groups with lurcher and Staffordshire bull terrier type dogs were responsible.

She added:"The dogs are not to blame because they are just following their instincts. They are being baited into attacking."

Debbie and her team have been called out several times to reports of dead cats and kittens in the area, but she said that many residents were scared to report incidents for fear of reprisals adding: "We would like to reassure people that any reports they make to us are strictly confidential and their details will not be made public or shared anywhere."

She added: "While the majority of these cats are strays or feral they were at one time someone's pet and cat owners living in these areas are obviously concerned for the safety of their own pets."

Debbie appealed for cat owners to keep a close eye on their pets when letting them out and also for them to make sure they are neutered and microchipped.

She said: "It is difficult to keep an eye on your cat if they like to wander outdoors but at at least if people are made aware of what is happening they can be vigilante when letting them out into their yards and gardens."

The volunteers have been working closely with the dog warden and also the RSPCA to try and root out the culprits responsible for this barbaric practise.

Along with rescuing injured cats, the charity also fosters and re-homes pets who find themselves homeless after their owners die or if they are abandoned.

Anyone who wishes to report any suspicious activity or incidents can contact the charity through its facebook page or email [email protected].