Yobs set fire to cat's tail and burn holes in its ear with cigarettes

The owner of a tortured cat who had to have its tail amputated because it was set alight by sick yobs has said the pet is 'lucky' to be alive.

Vets had no choice but to operate on Leo after the attack left his tail badly damaged and infected.

Part of his ear also had to be removed as a hole was burned straight through it with a cigarette, reports Daily Record.

Pauline Shields, Leo's owner, first became aware of the horrific act of violence after hearing a scream from outside her home in East Renfrewshire, Scotland.

Photos of Leo show the burns and injuries that were inflicted on him by the thugs in the Glen Avenue, Madras Park area of Neilston on January 13.

Police were informed of the horror incident, but no-one was ever arrested over the crime.

Leo the cat with owner Pauline Shields (unknown)

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Pauline’s neighbour Kimberley Wilson set up a JustGiving page and, thanks to generous fundraisers, more than £2,000 was raised to help pay for vet bills.

After successful surgery, Leo is now returning to full health, and Pauline wants to thank people for their generosity.

She said: “Thank you to everyone who has shown Leo their love and support. We really appreciate all of your kindness.

“Everyone’s been so amazing and Leo’s doing fantastic!

More than £2,100 was raised to help pay for vet bills (unknown)

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“Things really couldn’t have gone any better for that wee boy, much better than anyone could have hoped for.

“He’s such a lucky wee soul to have come through everything the way he has.”

Pauline, who got Leo from Cats Protection when he was seven-months-old, also looks after five other rescue cats, a rescue dog, an African grey parrot and a goldfish at her Neilston home.

And the animal enthusiast was especially grateful to neighbour Kimberley for setting up the online fundraiser.

Leo's tail and one of his ears has been amputated (facebook)

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Pauline said: “I can’t thank Kimberley enough. It was so kind of her to do that for Leo.

“Any money left over will be given to Cats Protection.

“My main focus is on raising awareness of animal cruelty.

“This is hopefully a one-off and I hope it doesn’t happen to anyone else’s animals.

“I hope people are extra vigilant so that some good may come out of what’s happened to Leo.”