Perth cat savaged by a pack of dogs

Aug 28 2009 by Alison Anderson, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

SAVAGED BY A PACK OF DOGS

A HEARTBROKEN Perth pensioner blasted irresponsible dog owners yesterday after her much-loved cat was savagely killed.

Three unsupervised dogs got into the woman’s garden in the Kinnoull area of the city and attacked her pet Miranda.

Her owner wanted to share her tragic loss with the PA to bring home the consequences of letting three dogs loose in the community.

Speaking of her “soulmate” and companion of 14 years, Miranda’s owner said she was a “little creature who brightened my life and brought joy with her endearing ways.’’

The septuagenarian, who does not wish to be named, described the awful event which led to the cat’s horrific death and her own heartbreak.

“She was killed in her own garden by three uncontrolled and unsupervised dogs which invaded the property, attacked her and killed her.

“I was only yards away in the house, unaware that she was in danger.

“I was alerted by kindly and caring neighbours but by the time I got to her it was too late.

“I always thought she was safe where we live – away from traffic.

“Unfortunately for her, a public path runs by our house and, due to ignorance and incompetence, her life was cut short.”

She called for dog owners to be responsible and know at all times where their animals are.

“Dogs are pack animals and releasing three is letting a pack loose in the community. Unless dogs are trained to return to the owner immediately, they should never be let off the lead, especially in groups.

“This pack killed my little pet. And it doesn’t bear thinking about the consequences had a child been there as well.”

The owner thinks that if there had only been one dog entering her garden, her cat would have escaped unscathed. But poor Miranda would have been confused and terrified at being surrounded by three dogs out for the kill in her own garden.

She added: “Most dog owners are very responsible but you do get some who just open their car doors and let the animals run loose.

“If you have an animal it is your responsibility to make sure it’s under supervision and will not harm or damage anything.”

Perth police yesterday confirmed they were aware of the incident and are following a positive line of inquiry.