A 'terrified' cat was attacked by a dog then left for dead in a 'horrendous state' on a field in Wigan.
The animal was found near Welland Road in Ashton-in-Markerfield by a residents at around 10am on Tuesday, July 30.
They went to investigate after hearing noises in the field at around 3am.
They heard a quad bike before spotting two men with a dog nearby.
Moments later, the person heard a loud squeal.
The cat was then found with bite wounds around its stomach and back end.
The RSPCA was sent to investigate and said the cat had been left 'suffering for hours'.
Vets said the cat had an abdominal hernia, and is believed to have been left paralysed from a wound in its back.
The cat was also suffering from hypothermia and anaemia.
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It was taken for emergency treatment but sadly, the vet said its injuries were so severe the kindest thing to do was to put the cat to sleep.
Inspectors have now launched an appeal for more information.
Alison Wilford, RSPCA and animal welfare officer, said: “This poor cat was terrified and in a horrendous state and it is awful to think he had been suffering like this for hours.
“The wounds are consistent with a dog attack and because the witness reported seeing two men in the early hours with a dog before hearing a scream I believe this is when the cat’s injuries were caused.
“I am now appealing for anyone with information about this incident, which happened on Tuesday July 30, to get in touch on the RSPCA appeals line which is 0300 123 8018.”
The cat, which was not microchipped, was an unneutered male. The owner has not been traced.
