AN URGENT call has been made for action to be taken against heartless “yobs” who target animals after a cat was suffocated in an empty crisp packet.The much-loved pet, whose owners live in Pinewood Drive in Brandon, was discovered dead in a nearby alleyway with a crisp packet tucked under its collar.

AN URGENT call has been made for action to be taken against heartless “yobs” who target animals after a cat was suffocated in an empty crisp packet.

The much-loved pet, whose owners live in Pinewood Drive in Brandon, was discovered dead in a nearby alleyway with a crisp packet tucked under its collar.

Last night Ricky Wright, a re-homer for Bury's Stray Cat Fund, said something needed to be done stop incidents of cruelty, which he said happen again and again.

“Last month alone there were at least three cats that were found abandoned,” he said. “The first was discovered in a carrier bag which had been slung in a ditch in Risby, and in the second incident, two cats were found in a holdall that had been zipped up and dumped in Bury.

“There are also lots of cases of cats being hurt, because people just think it is funny, but it can be very distressing for everyone involved, let along the animal itself. If the animal belongs to an elderly person, for example, it might be all they have in the world.”

Last month, another family was left devastated after their pet cat was found dead after someone apparently tied a firework to its tail.

Angie Hoy, of Sudbury, was appalled to discover the eight-month old Siamese cross lying in a hedge with severe burns to its back legs.

Police are now appealing for anyone with information about the incident in Brandon to come forward in a bid to catch those responsible for killing the tabby cat.

A spokesman said: “This is an appalling crime that has caused much distress for the owners of the cat. We would appeal to anyone who has any information to come forward to try and ease the anguish felt by the family and help us to catch the culprit.”

Contact Pc Anna Whybro, on 01284 774100.