Two cats killed after fireworks were strapped to them and set alight
Bodies of both animals found with significant burns
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.At least two cats have been separately killed after fireworks were strapped to their backs and set them alight.
The bodies of both animals were found with significant burns and the devices still attached following the attacks in Rotherham, South Yorkshire and Queensferry in Deeside.
Two other similar incidents were reported in Bradford, West Yorkshire, and Kenilworth, Warwickshire, but in both those cases the cats are thought to have survived.
The cruelty was revealed by the RSPCA on Tuesday as it demanded stricter controls on the sale of fireworks, especially in the run up to Bonfire Night and New Year.
Dr Mark Kennedy, an animal welfare expert with the charity, said: “Fireworks are extremely stressful and frightening for many animals.
"Around 62 per cent of dogs, 55 per cent of horses and 54 per cent of cats in the UK show signs of anxiety when they hear fireworks.
"All too often we hear heart-breaking stories of animals who seriously injure themselves in a blind panic after being spooked by fireworks."
The demand came on the same day it was revealed a zebra had died at a Somerset zoo after being so spooked by nearby November 5 celebrations it bolted straight into an enclosure fence.
The animal — called Hope after it was born at the start of the coronavirus lockdown — perished at Noah’s Ark Zoon in Clevedon.
Larry Bush, managing director, said: “We’re feeling devastated by the loss … She was so full of energy and life and she was a very healthy young zebra. It is such a tragedy that she has lost her life, seemingly as a result of fireworks being set off at nearby events which were intended as a celebration.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments