Published: Wednesday, 27th January, 2010 10:22am

John rescues cat dumped in the woods

by Hamish Hutchinson

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The abandoned cat is now recovering in an animal rescue and rehoming centre.

A TULLIBODY schoolboy who saved an abandoned cat after hearing its cries on his way home through Delph Wood has been praised by the Scottish SPCA for his quick thinking.

The young female tabby cat is recovering in Scottish SPCA care after 11-year-old John Barrett found her dumped in the woods in a plastic pet carrier underweight and extremely weak.

John, a P7 pupil at Abercromby Primary, was on his way home from school when he heard the cat's cries coming from the woods. When John looked up and realised the noise was coming from a plastic box, he went over to investigate and discovered the cat inside.

John took the frightened cat home to his mum, who called Scotland's animal welfare charity for help.

He told the Advertiser, "I was walking through the woods when I saw this cat just staring at something and hissing. As I walked down the hill I could hear meowing noises and as I got closer to the cat I could see it was hissing at the box the other cat was in.

"I looked inside it was just lying there shaking. I thought it was dying. I picked up the box and ran home with it and my mum called the SSPCA.

"I couldn't have just left it there and the SSPCA told me that if I hadn't brought it home and called them it would have probably died. It's just really sick that someone could do that and I hope they find it a good home. My mum said we would have taken it if we didn't have our dog."

John has been told that he will receive an award for his actions, which will be presented to him at Abercromby Primary in front of his fellow pupils.

Scottish SPCA Inspector Louise Seddon said, "Thanks to John's quick thinking this little cat is now receiving the best of care at one of our animal rescue and rehoming centres.

"We believe the cat was left in the woods at some point before 3pm on Tuesday and someone may have witnessed this.

"Although she's a bit underweight she is a lovely, friendly little cat. She's also very pretty with distinct markings on her coat.

"We're urging anyone who recognises the cat or who has information relating to this incident to call our Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999."

The charity is warning that abandoning an animal is an offence which carries still penalties including a maximum of six months in prison, a £5000 fine or both. Anyone guilty of doing so can expect to be banned from owning animals for a fixed period or life.