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The sick and twisted torture of household cats in Paignton is being investigated by police, as a devastated owner describes the aftermath of the horrendous ordeal endured by their pet.

Another cat, Sam, has died of its injuries after being abducted from the affluent Roundham area of the seaside town.

Phil Harrison, 62, said his 18 month old cat Tayou returned home last week 'soaking wet' with bleeding around his bottom at 10.30am on Tuesday, November 27 - the terrified moggie was also 'walking in circles.'

A local vets soon confirmed the unthinkable after initially considering a stroke being responsible for his erratic behaviour.

Mr Harrison said: "After closer inspection the vet said he had been burnt with a cigarette lighter and put in water. We had not fully noticed by one side of his whiskers had been burned off completely.

"Tayou was sent over to an animal hospital in Dawlish, and came back yesterday (Tuesday December 4).

"It is lucky that he pulled through, he is on a drip and has had to have catherter.

"It is horrible somebody’s doing this. Chatting to our neighbour, Sam, her cat had been missing for five days when it came back badly mutilated in his back passage.

"Apparently foreign objects were inserted internally, and it was beyond saving."

He also thinks the abuse could have began last year when a previous cat owned by Mr Harrison and his wife went missing, after suffering an unusual bone fracture two months prior.

He's now considering setting up a local Neighbourhood Watch group in light of the recent, disturbing attacks.

"I have been checking in with people with cats, making sure people are vigilant, It is now obvious someone is around in the neighbourhood doing this.

"Roundham is a relatively quiet area, we moved here from central Bristol for a quiet life.

"It is the last place you would think this would happen, but then it only takes one person to behave in this way."

Neighbourhood Team Leader Sergeant Lee Langley said: "Police have been contacted after a cat suffered horrific injuries in the Roundham area of Paignton.”

“The owner of the cat states it was out overnight from Monday 26 November to late morning on Tuesday 27 November when she then noticed the cat having sustained what appear to be deliberate injuries to its genitals, and was wet as if it had been submerged in water.

“The injuries the cat has suffered are shocking and is a heart-breaking situation for the owner.

"Currently, the police believe that this was a deliberate act and we appealing for witnesses. If anyone has any information that can help police identify the culprit, we ask that you come forward and speak to us."

Thousands of people have reacted to the horrific post on the Spotted Paignton Facebook page which contains graphic details.

One anonymous caller to Devon Live said the attacks have appalled her, and she has been "struggling to sleep" over the matter.

A spokesperson for the RSPCA added: "This is a shocking incident and we’d encourage anyone with information to please contact us on 0300 1234 999.”

If you have any information, please contact 101@dc.police.uk quoting crime reference CR/110449/18.

You can also give information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Do you have a story to share or for us to investigate?

Get in touch using alex.richards01@reachplc.com, call 01392346758 or tweet me @AlexRich89.

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