UNITED KINGDOM -- A cat has been mauled to death by two unleashed dogs in front of horrified onlookers.
The attack took place in Chorlton when the pit bull style dogs charged down the road and snatched up the cat in their jaws.
The fatally wounded cat, called Igor, died in the arms of a neighbour who had rushed out to try to help.
Devastated owner Ed Cervenka has called for action on dangerous dogs being let off their leads and warned the killers could strike again.
The 35-year-old musician, who was at work at the time of the attack on Wednesday, said: "I had Igor since he was a kitten.
"I was devastated when I got home that evening to be told the terrible news.
"My neighbours had befriended Igor over the years and sometimes gave him food.
"They were very shaken up by the experience and are now scared to go out of the house."
Ed, who lives on Wyverne Road, said police had been unable to trace the owner of the dogs.
He said that if they were not found, they could attack again – putting other animals or even children at risk.
John Grant, an independent councillor for the area, said that he would be contacting council wardens to see if more could be done to tackle the issue of aggressive dogs being let off their leads.
"This is an awful story," he said.
"Dog owners need to be reminded that it is not acceptable to let your dogs run loose in residential areas."
Under council by-laws, known as dog control orders, dog owners can fined up to £1,000 for failing to control their pet in a public place.
A council spokeswoman said that last year, 178 fines of £80 were issued for by-law breaches.
[See, they try to make it sound like they're tough on animal violations... "fined up to £1,000..." Ooh, sounds good. But then you see that people were only fined £80. This is shameful. Your beloved pet is ripped to pieces and the killer dog owner not only gets to keep their monster dog, but also only gets fined a puny £80. That's my cable bill, people.]
(South Manchester Reporter -November 03, 2011)