A Livingston woman has been left distraught after her cat was mauled to death in a frenzied dog attack.
Devastated Jackie Stewart said her 11-year-old cat Tank was ripped to pieces by aggressive dogs near her home in Howden yesterday.
The paramedic said her husband found his body lying outside in the street.
She claims the dogs pulled the face off her 'gentle' giant and snapped his neck.
Jackie told the Daily Record: “We’re devastated, he was the love of our life, our big boy.
“He was a gentle giant and these dogs ripped him apart.
“My neighbours heard it happening and heard the owner shouting at the dogs but we were too late, we didn’t see who they were.”
Jackie had been at her daughter’s house when dogs savaged her cat.
The grandmother said neighbours alerted the couple after hearing the attack and spotting Tank's body.
Local eyewitnesses have told the couple that the owner was a female who was walking what they believe to be a bull mastiff with a muzzle, or lead, as well as two pit-bull terriers on a lead.
Jackie and David are now determined to find the people responsible in the hope of pressing charges.
Jackie added: “The neighbours heard it happening and heard her shouting at the dogs to stop, but we haven’t found her yet.
“David and I spent the whole day yesterday crying, he was our baby.
"The SSPCA said it's up to the local council to deal with it but I don't think they realise there is no dog warden in West Lothian.
"But we won't leave it and we will find out who was responsible for my boy’s death."
Police confirmed they attended the incident in Manitoba Avenue at around 1.15pm on Sunday, May 24.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Around 1.15pm on Sunday, 24 May, 2020, we received a report of a cat being killed in the Manitoba Avenue area of Livingston.
“Enquiries were carried out and it was established this wasn't a criminal matter.
“Suitable advice was provided."
The Scottish SPCA were also in attendance and said it would be up to the local council to enforce any action under the Control of Dogs Act 1991.
Scottish SPCA chief superintendent, Mike Flynn, said: “We can confirm that we were contacted by a member of the public regarding an incident where a dog had attacked their cat.
“Dangerous or out of control dogs are legally the responsibility of Police Scotland and the local authority.
“As such, we can certainly advise both parties on how people should keep their animals safe and under control going forward, but it is for the Local Authority to enforce any action under the Control of Dogs Act.”
